Four major WA touring companies will share just under $1.6 million, taking their productions to regional Western Australia over the next three years, as part of the McGowan Government's Playing WA Multi-year grants program.
The West Australian Ballet will receive $399,953 to take a children's ballet and mixed bill gala program to Kalgoorlie, Karratha and Port Hedland next year, with Karratha, Port Hedland, Bunbury and Mandurah on the tour in 2023.
Regional opera lovers are also in for a treat, with the West Australian Opera receiving $400,000 to take a combination of outdoor opera concerts, gala concerts and a regional tour of Opera for Young People to various regional locations.
Funding of $399,545 to the Barking Gecko Theatre Company will enable more regional families to enjoy world class theatre experiences for children, while the West Australian Symphony Orchestra will receive funding of $399,707 to provide a full-orchestra program for regional communities.
The Playing WA Multi-year grants program supports the costs of touring WA-produced performing arts shows to regional and remote towns and communities in WA.
The multi-year funding round of Playing WA supports a three-year touring program, allowing organisations to engage in longer term planning for regional touring.
The grants program is delivered as part of the State Government's Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program (RACIP) to support arts and cultural activity in regional WA.
The RACIP is administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"Culture and the arts bring vibrancy to our regional towns and cities, and these touring shows will do just that.
"I'm pleased that this funding has been allocated after such a tough year. These touring shows will do their part in WA's economic and social recovery from COVID-19."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Just because you live in the regions doesn't mean you don't love opera and ballet.
"These tours have been funded to come to WA's regions long-term, and in some cases they have been specially tailored for regional audiences.
"The McGowan Government recognises the importance of creative industries and cultural life to regional Western Australia."
