- Program a celebration of creativity and colour for WA
- Lotterywest increases funding for Perth Festival and ScreenWest
Premier Colin Barnett tonight launched the 2013 Perth International Arts Festival program which will appeal to all West Australians and provide a bigger and more diverse cultural experience than ever before.
"The Perth Festival is a celebration of the important role that creativity and the arts play socially and economically in our community," Mr Barnett said.
"As the longest-running festival in Australia, it has developed a worldwide reputation for excellence and played a key role in nurturing our local arts sector over the years.
"The State Government, through Lotterywest, is a proud supporter of our arts and cultural sector as part of its vision to build a better WA. Organisations such as The University of Western Australia and the City of Perth have also given the festival great support."
The Premier said this year the Perth Festival and ScreenWest would receive additional funding.
Under the new deal, Perth Festival would receive $7million, an increase of $1.5million, for the 2013 Festival, with the funds helping to ensure the program remained an annual highlight of the State's cultural calendar.
"With increased funding through Lotterywest, key WA arts organisations will benefit even further through the Vital Stages program," Mr Barnett said.
"This program will encourage local artists to use the festival as a platform to collaborate with leading international companies and visiting artists, capitalising on the unique opportunities presented during the festival to attend workshops, master classes or create new work."
The Premier also acknowledged the role that Lotterywest played in supporting key events in the program each year, including next year's festival's highlights:
- Lotterywest Festival Films season held under the stars at the Somerville (UWA) and Joondalup Pines (ECU) from Saturday, November 24
- Lotterywest Festival Spectacular: BPM Bombs Per Minute (Les Commandos Percu) the free community event presented in partnership with Eventscorp on Saturday, February 9
- Lotterywest Festival Celebration: La Marea the free community event, Thursday February 14 to Sunday, February 17
ScreenWest funding, which has also increased to $7million, will allow the State Government agency supporting the screen industry in WA, to strengthen its partnerships in the industry to develop, support and promote quality film, television and digital media production in WA.
Fact File
Premier's office - 6552 5000
