Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

The Australian and ACT Governments today announced the list of organisations from the ACT and surrounding area to receive funding in the latest round of grants through the Regional Arts Fund. There are 14 successful arts organisations from the ACT and surrounding area that will share in just under $180 000 in funding grants.

Today, both the Federal Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator George Brandis and the ACT Chief Minister and Minister for the Arts, Mr Jon Stanhope MLA congratulated the successful applicants.

“The Regional Arts Fund was renewed and expanded in 2004–05 and the Australian Government investment is having a significant and positive impact on regional communities including those in the ACT and surrounding area,” Senator Brandis said.

“The Australian Government is pleased to have helped the ACT to become a hub for the arts and cultural activities, and it is funding like this that supports and encourages further development of the arts in the region.”

The ACT Chief Minister and Minister for the Arts, Mr Jon Stanhope MLA, welcomed the announcement of the successful applicants to the Regional Arts Fund.

“The range of projects that have been successful in attracting support from the Regional Arts Fund in this round demonstrates the energy and vitality of the arts in our region and in regional areas generally,” Mr Stanhope said. “The ACT Government is pleased that it is able to support these activities through partnerships between ACT key arts organisations and regional artists.”

“The arts are a powerful tool in building strong communities and I am sure these projects will strengthen the rural and regional areas around the ACT, and foster ongoing relationships between ACT arts organisations and regional artists.  I look forward to a year of exciting collaborations and innovative creations."

Arts organisations to receive funding in the latest round of grants include:

• Spiral Gallery Co-operative ($19 850) presenting South Coast Solar Print:
  Solar plate etching workshop for artists culminating in exhibitions in Bega and Canberra.
• Mirramu Dance Co ($10 500) presenting All the Rivers Don't Run: A dance project involving, sculpture, music and voice, with a performance at Weereewa and Canberra.

The Regional Arts Fund has provided total funding of $16.1 million over four years. For more information visit www.dcita.gov.au/arts_culture/arts/regional_arts_fund

Media contact:

Senator George Brandis: Travis Bell 0448 950 248
Mr Jon Stanhope: Penelope Layland 0438 289 714

15 October 2007
142 – 07