PICA performance space to remain open

Western Australian Culture and the Arts Minister John Day has announced that the performance space at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) will remain open beyond the 2010 season.

Following discussions with the Western Australian Department of Culture and the Arts, the board of PICA has renewed its commitment to operating the performance space and delivering its own multi-arts program.

Minister Day explained "I welcome the decision of the PICA board to recommit to managing the performance space in the building in the Perth Cultural Centre, and to delivering its own performance programme within that space.

"I am very pleased that the performance space will continue to be available for hire for rehearsals and performance by other groups, making this unique space accessible to the wider community.

"The performance space and program are key elements of PICAâs role in delivering and presenting contemporary arts in all its forms."

PICA Chair, Margaret Moore, said the board recognised its role of stewardship of a publicly owned building and was committed to PICA being a major multi-arts organisation, stating "PICA's primary commitment is to artists, companies and audiences, and this underlines the board's decision to maintain artistic management of performance at PICA.

"The board embraces a long term view in surmounting the current operational challenges and welcomes the support of a consultancy led review of PICA's position and directions."

The performance space and the performance program will be managed within PICA's existing budget, with a reduced program for the next 12 months to allow PICA to meet its financial responsibilities.

The WA Department of Culture and the Arts has engaged a consultant to work with the PICA board to review its strategic direction and business model.