Eight West Australian arts projects will share in nearly $5 million in funding from the first batch of the Morrison Government's Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.
Grants up to $1.5 million will begin to flow to arts and entertainment sector organisations in Western Australia immediately, supporting them to restart, re-imagine or create new cultural and creative activities.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the grants were an important step in supporting the future of Western Australia's creative and cultural sector.
"Western Australia's creative and cultural organisations provide significant employment and economic benefits, while at the same time supporting the presentation of unique Australian stories," Minister Fletcher said.
"Nearly $5 million in funding will flow to eight projects across the state, which will support the long-term sustainability of the sector, creating nearly 1000 job opportunities, along with flow-on benefits in the tourism, hospitality, transport and freight sectors."
One of the largest grant recipients in Western Australia was The Last Great Hunt, receiving more than $1.5 million in funding.
"I am pleased to support The Last Great Hunt in their latest project, which will offer diverse and local creators with a series of creative and performance opportunities to express their talent," Minister Fletcher said.
"These grants will provide local performers with the opportunity to work alongside internationally renowned creators and innovators, and to give them the chance to inspire audiences across Western Australia."
The $75 million RISE program was announced as part of the Government's $250 million Creative Economy Support Package to help restart activities such as festivals, concerts, tours and events once it is safe to do so. It is anticipated the Fund will create 44,000 jobs across Australia.
The successful Western Australia projects are listed below. The full list of batch one recipients will be announced before Christmas at: www.arts.gov.au/covid-19-update
Organisation |
Project Name |
Funding |
Description |
The Last Great Hunt |
Hunters and Connectors: A sustainable future through creating and presenting theatre experiences |
$1,674,127 |
A two year progam of creative development, local presentation and touring, involving collaboration with other WA arts organisations. |
West Australian Opera Company |
Opera at the WACA - Carmen |
$908,241 |
A re-imagined arena spectacular production of Carmen. Offered at low cost across two summer nights in Perth at this iconic WA venue. |
West Australian Ballet Company |
West Australian Ballet's reimagined Swan Lake (Kuljak-Maallii Ba) |
$768,970 |
Support for West Australian Ballet's reimagined Swan Lake (Kuljak-Maallii Ba) in collaboration with Nyungar artists to devise a reimagined production, that shares the story of the Black Swan, and features artists from Gya Ngoop Keeninyarra. This is accompanied by an education program. |
Mellen Events |
Eireborne |
$481,445 |
A live rock and dance stage show featuring world class dancers and musicians celebrating Ireland's contribution, both traditional and contemporary, to the world of music and dance. |
FORM Building a State of Creativity |
Scribblers Festival |
$400,000 |
A literature and arts festival for young people in WA, harnessing the transformative power of storytelling to engage, empower and transform young minds. Through artist and author talks, podcasts, creative workshops, art installations, hands-on activities and community engagement creativity will used as a catalyst for learning, achievement and opportunity. |
Fremantle Biennale |
Crossing 2021 |
$300,000 |
A suite of new site-specific installations, visual art, performance, music, contemporary dance, architectural interventions as well as a public and education program for the third Fremantle Biennale. |
Theatre 180 |
The Sydney: Lost and Found |
$133,519 |
A new multi-disciplinary work integrating stage and screen, performed live in cinemas, combining the immediacy of live theatre and the visual impact of cinema. The project commemorates 80 years since the sinking in 1941 of HMAS Sydney II. |
Ord Valley Events |
Art in the Park |
$50,000 |
An open-air gallery that is part of the Ord Valley Muster, a 10-day Festival of Arts, Culture and Music. The collaboration between East Kimberly art centres and galleries will highlight the work of 30 artists from the East Kimberley. |
