Art lovers in regional Victoria have a million reasons to celebrate with the latest round of Victorian Government grants providing support for a range of tours and programs in major regional centres and tiny towns across the state, including Bendigo, Warrnambool and Geelong.
Today Minister for Creative Industries announced the latest round of grants which will invest more than $1 million to attract flagship organisations to regional areas, support local groups to present shows in local venues and strengthen the regional performing arts touring circuit.
State Library Victoria, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the Wheeler Centre are the three major touring program recipients, receiving support to extend their footprint across the state by staging events, exhibitions, workshops and performances in regional areas over the next two years.
Nine artists and companies will share in grants totalling $328,697 through the Touring Victoria program. Tours include performances by Circus Oz which is set for Bendigo and Warrnambool, and Melbourne Ballet Company and a digital and real-world project that will invite the Ararat community to participate in a mass creative treasure hunt.
Grants have also been provided through the Small Regional Presenters program which supports local community groups and arts councils to attract and program performances in their communities which has included Geelong’s Music at the Basilica Inc. The support received will be for the presentation of a concert at the Windfire Festival of Sacred Music in Geelong.
The latest round of support for regional touring and activities has been made possible through the Victorian Government’s $20 million regional arts package, a four year commitment to the regional arts sector that was announced in the 2015-16 State Budget.
For a full list of recipients visit Creative Victoria.
Image via Creative Victoria.