Funding boost secures Albany Arts Festival

• Grant funding for the inaugural Albany Arts Festival - drawing international theatre, music, visual arts and film to the Great Southern
• Three-month Albany Arts Festival to kick off in February 2018

The McGowan Government has helped to secure a future for arts in the Great Southern region with a funding injection to the inaugural Albany Arts Festival.

The $15,000 funding boost, through the Great Southern Development Commission, will help to ensure the success of the festival, which will drive economic development and local job creation in the Great Southern.

The Albany Arts Festival will run throughout February, March and April and features international theatre, music, visual arts, circus, spoken word and film.

Creation of the festival follows the exit of the Perth International Arts Festival from Albany for 2018.

The full festival program is available at http://www.ptt.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

"Albany is arts central; teeming with creatives and the perfect regional venue for this kind of festival.

"Arts build communities and drive economic development - the Albany Arts Festival adds to Albany's rich tapestry and makes a fantastic addition to the Great Southern.

"Congratulations to all involved in producing this new event and we look forward to the arts festival becoming a mainstay on the Great Southern calendar."

Comments attributed to Albany MLA Peter Watson:

"Albany is fortunate to have so many people with talent and passion within a vibrant arts community throughout the Great Southern.

"Events like this make a fantastic contribution to the Albany arts community and the development of cultural tourism.

"Our incredibly diverse tourism and arts sectors also create jobs, produce goods and services, and are part of the major attractions for the region."

Minister's office - 6552 6200