The new Regional Arts and Culture Investment Program will deliver almost $20 million in funding to regional Western Australia, including Kalgoorlie, over the next four years.
This investment will build on the McGowan Government's 'Our Priorities: Sharing Prosperity' program by strengthening economies, creating jobs and nurturing prosperity in the regions.
The program will increase the capacity for the regions to engage with arts and culture, improving the social cohesion, liveability and vibrancy of local communities.
The Regional Arts and Culture Investment Program will be delivered through three streams: A State of Creativity, Strengthening Aboriginal Arts, and Empowered and Employed Communities.
A State of Creativity will help to activate regional performing arts venues, by improving their ability to present and tour performances, and support training and business development.
Strengthening Aboriginal Arts will support the sustainability of WA's valued Aboriginal Arts Centres and provide opportunities for Aboriginal artists to share their stories through new work.
Empowered and Employed Communities will help to align creative programs in local government planning and support activities that increase social inclusion, accessibility and employment opportunities in local communities. This stream also includes a fund to grow cultural tourism through regional festivals.
The Regional Arts and Culture Investment Program complements the McGowan Government's $8 million Regional Exhibition Touring Boost election commitment for the visual arts and $750,000 to support the attraction of visitors to regional museums and collections.
The program will be delivered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, with funding from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"The arts play a vital role in supporting the social, cultural and economic growth of regional communities.
"Alongside the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost, the Regional Arts and Culture Investment Program demonstrates our commitment to nurturing creativity across the State.
"Investment in culture and arts experience in regional communities like Kalgoorlie-Boulder is important in enabling the Goldfields community to actively participate in creating and sharing their own stories and securing its place in the State-wide performing and visual arts circuits."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"This significant investment will assist regional communities to tell their incredible stories.
"The McGowan Government is creating a legacy for our regions of better prosperity, and better social engagement, while showcasing the rich vein of talent our regions' possess."
As stated by Mining and Pastoral MLC Kyle McGinn:
"We know that the ability to create new work and access to see quality creative projects is a really important contributor to the liveability of a place - and regional communities know this is even more pertinent.
"The previous funding was tapped into several times in the Goldfields region, and I believe the new program will make it much easier to access funding relevant for a project.
"I am thrilled to again have the Minister in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and welcome this investment into regional creative industries."
