October 21, 2016

New arts program a big win for regional communities

Labor Member for Macedon is encouraging arts groups, societies, venues and local councils to apply for funding to attract the best performances in an effort to strengthen regional touring in more places across the state.

The Small Regional Presenters program will be available to support regional arts presenters – including not for profit arts groups and societies, venues and local councils – to present professional arts events and experiences in their communities.

Grants of up to $15,000 will be available to support the presentation of a single show or live event, a series of shows or an annual program.

The funding announcement is welcomed by Kyneton Music Festival organiser Rob Jones who has been presenting the festival for 5 years. Mr Jones said the festival was primarily supported through community fundraising, as well as the occasional Council grant, but this kind of grant would make a considerable difference.

"It wouldn’t just help us to secure bigger name artists, it would also help us to promote the festival better, and really take it to the next level."

Small Regional Presenters builds on existing programs that support Victorian arts companies and producers to embark on regional tours. It provides a focus on the other end of the touring cycle by supporting regionally-based arts groups and venues to attract shows to their area.

Funding will be offered through three grant rounds in 2016-17. Applications to the first round of the Small Regional Presenters program close 5pm, Wednesday 16 November 2016.

For program details, visit www.creative.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Labor Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP
"Arts touring brings significant benefits to towns, to communities and to artists and Victoria has a strong history of regional tours by major companies as well as independent artists."

"Local presenters know their communities and can program shows that resonate locally. I encourage local artists and organisations to events apply for this funding."

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