Local artists to benefit from funding boost to Perth International Arts Festival

25/3/03
Culture and the Arts Minister Sheila McHale today announced Lotteries Commission funding to the Perth International Arts Festival would increase by $1million per year for four years.
"The Lotteries Commission provided base funding of $3million per annum to the festival program under the directorship of Sean Doran during the years 2000-2003," Ms McHale said.
"Lotteries will now provide up to $16million, or $4million per annum for four years, to support the program directions put forward by new Artistic Director Lindy Hume."
The additional funds will be directed at programs to support greater collaboration between PIAF and local arts organisations and artists. New programs will also be introduced to encourage greater community participation within the festival program.
These new initiatives will take place in addition to the festival's core program of activities.
"I am pleased the Lotteries Commission Board has supported the Gallop Government's objective to broaden community and regional access to and participation in the Perth International Arts Festival," Ms McHale said.
"As Arts Minister, I am particularly encouraged by the collaborative relationship the festival plans to develop with the local industry.
"I am sure this will result in more exciting new Western Australian work making it to the festival stage."
PIAF Artistic Director Lindy Hume welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm.
"This increase will provide a solid foundation from which to develop new programs with local artists and longer-term plans for commissioning new work, while safeguarding the integrity and standard of our international programming that audiences have come to expect from the Perth Festival," Ms Hume said.
Minister's office: 9213 6900