- Broome circus receives funding
- Community Engagement Grants Program promotes participation and active engagement in arts and culture
Hip, hip hooray the circus came to Broome.
Thanks to the Community Engagement Grants Program, Theatre Kimberley received $39,306 to thrill Broome with a new circus production - and get the community involved.
Over the last six weeks the highly acclaimed Pitts Family Circus principals, Bronte Webster and Gareth Bjaaland have been in residence with Theatre Kimberley's Sandfly Circus.
They have been working with local artists and theatre performers to develop and direct Sandfly's major production A Sandfly in My Soup, which was staged last Friday (August 31) and Saturday night (September 1). The show was sold out and featured 85 children and 12 crew.
While the Pitts Family Circus performed in Broome, local performers formed the show's opening act. The Pitts also provided additional mentorship in circus rigging and set design.
Theatre Kimberley received funding through the Community Engagement Grants Program, administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. Funding is provided for activities that promote the participation and active engagement of Western Australian communities in arts and culture.
Five projects across the State are being supported, from a multi-arts event in the Gascoyne, a writing project from Perth, virtual reality workshops in Roebourne to a physical circus project in the Peel.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"This grant has provided the opportunity for an extended residency offering local artists - who are isolated geographically - the rare opportunity to develop their skills and relationships with experienced and well-connected artists.
"This grant allowed locals in Broome to see a performance which was great fun but also showed off the talents of people in their community.
"After seeing A Sandfly in My Soup, I'm glad this funding was able to support the development of a new work and new skills for performers and those working behind the scenes in Broome."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer:
"This production has been a fantastic fillip for the artistic community in Broome.
"Not only was it a highly entertaining production but it supported the local community and boosted the local economy.
"It embraces the arts and encourages personal development through play."
