UWA Perth International Arts Festival given funding boost

10/11/03
The State Government has continued its support for the UWA Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF) - Western Australia's premier arts festival - with a $20,000 contribution to develop an indigenous theme for next February's event.
Indigenous Affairs Minister John Kobelke announced the funding commitment today and said it would guarantee a strong focus on Aboriginal arts in the internationally renowned festival.
Mr Kobelke said the sponsorship from the Department of Indigenous Affairs was in addition to State Government funding of $4million through Lotterywest, a $110,000 ArtsWA contribution and $75,000 from the WA Regional Initiatives Scheme.
"The DIA sponsorship will help strengthen the partnership between the UWA Perth International Arts Festival and the Yirra Yaakin Noongar Theatre Aboriginal Corporation," the Minister said.
Mr Kobelke said the Gallop Government would continue to encourage our vibrant, creative and culturally diverse community to express itself through the arts.
"PIAF Organisers are planning to bring Aboriginal heritage and culture from WA's Kimberley region to the festival in 2004," he said.
"Many non-indigenous people don't have an appreciation of Aboriginal cultural diversity in this State.
"Bringing the traditional dances, ceremonies, songs and arts of the Kimberley to Perth will help encourage that understanding."
Mr Kobelke said the PIAF program would provide an exciting cultural experience.
"It will hopefully entice audiences to explore the magnificence of Kimberley culture and landscape," he said.
"The program of indigenous events at PIAF will also provide employment opportunities for indigenous people and the State Government is keen to support any initiatives that achieve this."
Minister's office: 9222 9211