Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

Federal Arts Minister, Senator George Brandis, today announced the latest round of the Festivals Australia and the Festivals Australia Regional Residencies programs.

Senator Brandis said that in this round of funding 35 Festivals projects will share more than $491 000, while over $170 000 has been allocated to support nine Regional Residencies projects at a variety of festivals, most of them in remote and regional areas of Australia.

“Festivals and major community celebrations are revitalising communities and increasing community pride in many regions of Australia and the Government is committed to enhancing their positive impact,” Senator Brandis said.

“The support we are providing is adding special new cultural projects to many festivals, with community members being encouraged to get involved in workshops to create artworks and learn skills from professional artists and musicians.

“Festivals Australia is giving Australians in regional and remote areas access to exciting artistic experiences that otherwise would not be available to them.”

Festivals Australia and Festivals Australia Regional Residencies are Australian Government funding programs which provide funding for arts-based projects that enhance the cultural program of regional and community festivals.

A list of all the successful applicants for the program is available online from www.dcita.gov.au/festivals and www.dcita.gov.au/festivals_residencies.

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248

10 October 2007

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