71 projects set to boost arts tourism in regional Australia

The Federal Government has announced additional support for the arts and cultural sector in regional Australia, with 71 projects set to share more than $2.7 million under Round 13 of the Festivals Australia program.

Advising that Festivals Australia program is aimed at reuniting regional and remote communities with arts and culture, Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher stated “through this targeted funding, including the additional $2.4 million provided through the Regional Arts Tourism Experiences package, we are providing access to a diverse range of high quality, innovative arts projects that will help boost tourism across Australia’s regions.

“This support will flow to projects across many art forms including music, theatre, and visual arts, and help to build the profile of artists through collaboration and creative partnerships at festivals and community events.

“We know that regional and remote artists, organisations and communities have been significantly affected by the pandemic, which is why this assistance is invaluable for the sector and is supporting a vibrant and sustainable future for festivals across Australia.”

Creative Economy Taskforce Chair and Joint Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival, Rachel Healy, said the Festivals Australia program is supporting community engagement across regional Australia by reactivating the arts and cultural sector.

Healy advised “this funding will not only benefit artists and organisations, but will have flow on benefits for businesses within the local communities, tourism industry and wider arts sector.

“It’s positive to see the diversity of festivals and cultural events that will be funded in Round 13. Projects range from celebrating First Nations culture through performances and exhibitions, to outdoor digital community arts events, street art, and a variety of capacity-building workshops.”

The Festivals Australia program supports arts projects that invite community participation and audience engagement at festivals in regional and remote Australia.

Image: The Northam Public Silo art project in regional Western Australia. Credit: Australia Council for the Arts.