Backing for creative festivals in regional Australia

Regional Australia is about to be taken over by a creative wave of festivals featuring flash mob style choirs, claymation, circus acts, and puppets performing in a solar-powered 3D laser show.

Federal Arts Minister Simon Crean has announced 33 festival arts projects in communities around Australia will receive funding through the Festivals Australia program.

Minister Crean explained "over half a million dollars will be going to support community arts and festival activities from Albury in New South Wales to Barkly in the Northern Territory and Queenstown in Tasmania.

"We have a huge wealth of creative talent in our regions as shown by the diversity and quality of the successful applicants.

"In Queenstown, Tasmania, $25,000 will go to a project commemorating 100 years since the Mt Lyell Mine Disaster involving a flash choir, a lantern parade and large-scale multi-media works.

"The Australian Government is committed to continuing to support opportunities for creative and artistic expression in our regional communities.

"The Festivals Australia program is one way we are enabling our regions to develop their own innovative arts projects and give community members the chance to be part of a unique celebration of where they live."

For more information go to www.arts.gov.au/arts/festivals_australia

Image courtesy of the Mahbilil Festival.

3rd November 2011 - AUSTRALIAN FESTIVALS RECEIVE FUNDING BOOST