More than $1.7M allocated for WA arts activities in 1996

28/12/95   

Arts Minister Peter Foss today announced State Government funding of more than $1.7 million to support arts activities in Western Australia next year.

Mr Foss said investment in the arts reaped many cultural and economic benefits for the State.

"Our arts policy recognises that the arts are essential to life," he said.

"However, there are also real economic benefits to be gained.

"The arts employ about 14,500 Western Australians and the economic benefits are felt throughout the community, particularly in the tourism sector."

Mr Foss said recent research showed strong public approval of the arts.

The research, which was published by the Department for the Arts, surveyed the attitudes of WA people to the arts over a three-year period.

"For example, figures show 95 per cent of people surveyed felt the arts should not be allowed to die out in Australia and 80 per cent were in favour of Government investment in the arts", the Minister said.

"These investments announced today mean that Western Australians throughout the State will be able to participate in and enjoy a diverse range of activities."

Investment funds totalling more than $900,000 have been allocated to arts activities in the metropolitan area, with nearly $267,000 being distributed to State regional areas.

Key investment funds were:

·       $45,000 for WA Music Industry Association's annual program of activities;

·       $30,000 to Peter Dailey of Wooroloo, Creative Development Fellowship, to produce sculptural works examining whether television has enhanced or degraded modern society;

·       $30,000 to Nalda Searles, of Midland, Creative Development Fellowship, to spend time developing a series of artworks based on the significance of indigenous plant materials;

·       $30,000 for Australian Writers' Guild and Stages, towards its annual program of activities and for support and development for playwrights;

·       $30,000 for the Albany Arts Council towards its annual program of activities;

·       $30,000 for Lucky Oceans, of Fremantle, Creative Development Fellowship, to enhance his musical skills by study in Louisiana and Texas, USA;

·       $30,000 to Ronald Gidgup of Rivervale, Creative Development Fellowship, to further develop design skills into printed and hand painted textiles and embroidery;

·       $25,000 for the Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre Association towards the continuation of a program of arts activities for the Geraldton region;

·       $23,800 for Indian dancer, Rakini, towards the development of cross-cultural dance involving Aboriginal dance techniques with music;

·       $23,400 for Theatre West, towards cross-cultural production of Lou by

·       David George as part of the Festival of Perth;

·       $22,500 for the Hole in the Wall Theatre Company, towards the production of The One Day of the Year by Alan Seymour;

·       $20,000 to Sally Richardson, of Cottesloe, towards the production of I am Nijinsky at PICA;

·       $20,000 for Yirra Yaakin Youth Theatre Aboriginal Corporation, towards three geographic workshop groups culminating in multi-media performances in Koondoola, Kwinana and Bentley;

·       $18,760 towards Sunset Music Australia, towards musicians fees and travel costs to commission Andrew Partington to compose contemporary string suite;

·       $17,000 for Nova Ensemble towards its annual program of activities;

·       $15,000 for the Centre for Studies in Australian Literature, towards the publication of the literary and cultural magazine Westerly;

·       $15,000 for Coco Youth Theatre, towards its annual program of activities;

·       $14,000 for Fieldworks Performance Group, towards the production of Couples;

·       $14,000 for Fellowship of Australian Writers and Katharine Susannah Prichard Foundation's program of activities;

·       $13,500 for Ran Dan Club Association Inc for the production of a multi-cultural fire festival through a series of workshops;

·       $13,000 for STEPS, Youth Dance Company, towards a program of activities giving young dancers the opportunity to work with professionals;

·       $12,000 for Fairbridge Festival, to undertake marketing research for the Festival;

·       $12,000 for Old Cannery Arts Centre, for the salary of the centre manager and travel for arts tutors;

·       $12,000 for the Derby West Kimberley Arts Council, towards ceramic workshops with an artist in community over a four month period;

·       $10,000 for Able Bodies Performance Group for Integration, a performance by disabled and able-bodied dancers collaborating with the theme 'Work Cultures'; and -

·       $10,000 for Fremantle Children's Literature Centre, for writers and illustrators, May O'Brien, Deborah Lisson, Pat Torres, Leslie Rees, Margaret Wilson and Glyn Parry to conduct the centre's residency program.

Media contact:  Peter Harris  (09) 321 2222/ 222 9595