Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator George Brandis, today announced Australian Government support of more than $67 000 to tours by contemporary musicians, as part of the Australian Government’s Contemporary Music Touring Program.

Senator Brandis said that through the Contemporary Music Touring Program, the Australian Government responds to the strong demand for live music performance in regional and remote Australia.

“The Government is keen to ensure audiences in regional and remote Australia have access to all forms of cultural activity, and this program helps to ensure Australians living outside our main cities get the chance to hear live original Australian music in their own communities.

“The Contemporary Music Touring Program doesn’t just benefit audiences outside the capital cities; it is also a very valuable resource for emerging contemporary musicians, who with support are able to perform in regional and remote areas.”

In this round of funding, tours to be supported include:

• alternative folk artist Jesse Morris from Sydney, performing in 15 locations across NSW, Queensland and Victoria to promote the first full length album release by the Jesse Morris Band; and
• a tour by nine-piece world music band San Lazaro to 30 venues across Tasmania, Victoria, NSW, Queensland and the ACT to showcase their culturally diverse and original repertoire.

A full list of the latest round of grant recipients can be found at www.dcita.gov.au/artsfunding.

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248

Friday, 21 September 2007

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