Yirra Yaakin Noongar Theatre awarded arts agency status

29/1/99

Yirra Yaakin Noongar Theatre's contribution to high quality professional Aboriginal theatre has been recognised with the company being awarded arts agency status today by Arts Minister Peter Foss.

"The nomination of Yirra Yaakin will restore the number of arts agencies in Western Australia to 23," Mr Foss said.

"There has not been an Aboriginal Performing Arts Agency for the last two years and this company will provide wonderful opportunities for cultural and artistic development.

"The presentation and development of high quality professional Aboriginal community theatre; the provision of means for Aboriginal communities to control and participate in their own cultural development; and the promotion of self-determination and control for indigenous theatre, are just some of the very significant and unique reasons why Yirra Yaakin joins the ranks of WA's other arts agencies.

"As well as providing a program that satisfies high artistic and community demands, I also commend Yirra Yaakin for its work in providing opportunities for the professional development of actors, writers and stage technicians, and in management and business administration.

"These development opportunities are achieved through their own productions and operations and through an on-going program of workshops and residences in metropolitan and regional communities and schools.

"Yirra Yaakin's focus on opportunities for young people in building the future for WA's indigenous theatre is, at the same time, one of its greatest strengths and one of the greatest contributions it makes to the community at large."

Each arts agency represents a significant investment by the State of WA in a particular artform or service. Investments are made to organisations that have established an annual program of activities over a number of years, and which have demonstrated a capacity to meet their stated artistic goals and to manage their financial resources effectively. Arts agency status secures a commitment from ArtsWA for on-going funding for the organisation's program of activities.

As part of the process for being awarded arts agency status, Yirra Yaakin submitted a detailed business plan for 1999-2001.

Other companies with arts agency status include the WA Opera Company, the WA Ballet Company and the WA Symphony Orchestra.

Yirra Yaakin is currently at work with Cruel Wild Women, by Sally Morgan and David Milroy, which will have its world premiere during the upcoming Festival of Perth.

Media contacts: Chris Morris 9321 2222 or

Margaret Butcher, Ministry of Culture and the Arts 9224 7382