FUNDING BOOST FOR REGIONAL ARTS, CULTURAL PROGRAMS

The Australian Government has announced more than $1.76 million to support a program of cultural and creative tours through the Playing Australia, Contemporary Music Touring Program and Contemporary Touring Initiative programs.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher said: “There’s no doubt the arts sector has been hit by the impact of the coronavirus and this funding will assist performing and visual artists to share their works across 181 unique locations to reach audiences across all Australian states and territories, also helping support local businesses and tourism."

The program will support tours spanning music, theatre, visual arts and dance including:

• Tralala Blip’s Eat My Codes If Your Light Falls Tour, a differently abled electronic pop band from Northern NSW who will tour to locations including Wagga Wagga, Bermagui and Gunnedah
• Museum and Galleries NSW’s Centre of the Centre commission by internationally recognised Australian artist Mel O’Callaghan that will visit nine galleries and art centres across five states from 2021-23.

Each organisation will work with the Australian Government’s arts funding and advisory body, Australia Council, on the timing and delivery of their tours in line with COVID-19 health and safety measures. See the full list of recipients.

The Australian Government is also providing $1.1 million from the Visions of Australia program to support 10 projects to tour cultural exhibitions to venues across regional Australia.

This funding will support projects showcasing high-quality textile design, print making, ceramics and photography among others, which explore a range of themes such as national identity, Indigenous knowledge systems, and the notion of family. See the full list of recipients including the Australian Design Centre's Australian Contemporary Ceramics showcase developed in partnership with the Australian Ceramics Associaiton and Sabbia Gallery.