The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.
MORE FUNDING FOR REGIONAL ARTS
I am pleased to announce today that the Coalition is providing a further $5.4 million over four years to expand regional Australia's access to, and support for, Australian artists. Established by the Howard Government in 1996, the very successful Regional Arts Fund provides financial support for arts centres, artists, arts organisations and companies. The Coalition renewed this programme in the 2004-05 Federal Budget, providing $10.7 million over four years.
The additional $5.4 million will:
- employ more regional arts development officers;
- provide workshops, mentoring, professional training, conferences and other support for those working in regional arts organisations; and
- continue the Creative Volunteering - No Limits pilot programme which provides skills training for volunteers working with arts and cultural organisations in regional Australia.
"The Regional Arts Fund provides opportunities for communities in regional, rural and remote areas to participate in cultural projects," the Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp said.
A review of the Fund in late 2003 found that it was achieving significant cultural, social and economic outcomes across Australia and contributing to the Government's broader vision of regional sustainability.
Since 1996, the programme has supported indigenous communities, youth, remote and isolated communities, retirees, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds in a wide variety of arts projects.
Projects have included activities as diverse as writers' workshops, creation of public murals, sculpture festivals, choral singing events and theatre productions that tell regional stories.
"These projects develop the cultural skills and the capacity of regional communities to tell their own stories and develop their own arts events," Senator Kemp said. "They provide employment opportunities and professional development for regional artists."
The Regional Arts Fund is delivered on behalf of the Australian Government by the peak regional arts organisations in each state and territory. The involvement of these grass roots organisations helps to ensure that funding is delivered effectively to regional communities.
The Coalition's decision to provide additional funding for the Regional Arts Fund was taken before the caretaker provisions came into effect and the cost of the measure will therefore be fully reflected in the Pre-Election Economic and Fiscal Outlook.
10 September 2004
Media contact: Adrian Chippindale, 02 6277 7350 or 0407 208 743