Federal Government backs home for Bell Shakespeare

The Australian Government has announced a $1 million contribution for the Bell Shakespeare capital campaign, laying the foundations for a secure future for Australia's national Shakespeare theatre company.

Announcing the contribution to the campaign to secure a permanent home for the company, Federal Minister for the Arts Mitch Fifield "Bell Shakespeare's new facility will be a fitting tribute to its Founding Artistic Director John Bell AO, who retired from his role with the company at the end of last year."

However, amid current controversies surrounding Federal Government arts funding, Senator Fifield did not announce the source of the funding.

Nonetheless, Bell was very appreciative of the Government's investment and said that for the past 26 years, reflecting on his company having has performed for more than 2.5 million students, teachers and audience members throughout the country.

Bell explained "I'm extremely grateful to the Australian Government for this extraordinary investment in Bell Shakespeare, which recognises our contribution to Australian cultural life.

"I am delighted the company, led by Peter Evans, will finally have security at its home at Pier 2/3 in Sydney."

Peter Evans, Artistic Director of Bell Shakespeare said on behalf of the Board and staff that he is honoured by the Australian Government's investment.

Evans stated “these permanent premises will enable us to continue to create and tour high quality productions to regional and remote centres, deliver our learning and public access programs and increase our engagement with emerging and mid-career artists through residencies, skills training and resource sharing.”

Securing a permanent home for Bell Shakespeare will provide much needed space to expand their education and performance programs, including spaces for learning activities, a rehearsal and raw performance space, and office and workshop facilities.

Government partnerships with the philanthropic and corporate sectors are an increasingly successful model for supporting great art and cultural infrastructure. This funding will be used to leverage other private donations for the capital campaign.

Bell Shakespeare stages productions and provides education and learning programs for students, teachers and other members of the community across Australia.

Image: Federal Minister for the Arts Mitch Fifield with Bell Shakespeare General Manager Gill Perkins and Artistic Director Peter Evans at Pier 2/3 in Sydney, future home of Bell Shakespeare. Courtesy: Jamie Williams.

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