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.
Playing Australia grants announced
The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, today announced $2,868,939 in funding for 24 productions under Playing Australia-the Australian Government's national performing arts touring program.
'More than 250 performances funded through Playing Australia will be seen across the country from Launceston to Port Hedland and Ayr to Orange,' Senator Kemp said.
'The Australian Government is fulfilling its commitment to bring the most exciting cultural performances to all Australians by giving them access to some of the country's best performing arts-wherever they live.'
The productions showcase a range of performing arts from small to large organisations-including theatre, dance, music, circus, puppetry and opera.
'All states and territories who applied for grants under this round of the Playing Australia program have received some funding to tour performances from local companies,' Senator Kemp said.
This latest round includes performances from the Bell Shakespeare Company, Main Street Theatre Company, Queensland Ballet and Playbox Theatre Company, in addition to:
- Circus Oz by Circus Oz the Touring Company - this production combines traditional circus skills, live music, theatre and company with an eclectic array of influences.
- Flat on Your Bacharach by Flat on Your Bacharach - this is a creative collaboration inspired by the musical songbook of Burt Bacharach.
- Carmen by Opera Australia's OzOpera - this production of the popular opera will deliver a high quality operatic experience.
A full list of the successful grantees for the program is attached and available online from the 'arts and culture' home page at www.dcita.gov.au.
MELBOURNE
2 September 2004
Media contact: Adrian Chippindale, 03 9650 7274 or 0407 208 743