Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP has welcomed the announcement that the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival will receive funding from the Andrews Labor Government.
The Labor Government announced it will back 90 of the state’s small, medium and independent arts organisations with more support for the sector to fuel Victoria’s creative economy and arts industry.
The Port Fairy Spring Music Festival organisation has received funding to continue to feature established and emerging professional musicians in programs that aim to engage, educate and entertain all members of the community.
Regional festivals and Indigenous arts companies are among those receiving increased support in the 2017-2020 round of Creative Victoria’s Organisations Investment Program – which received a boost this year as part of the Government’s Creative State strategy.
Small, medium and large arts organisations will benefit from a share $113 million over the next four years to help underpin their operations.
The overall portfolio of organisations supported spans the state and includes museums and galleries, music, theatre, circus, dance and opera companies, festivals and literary organisations. Peak industry bodies and service organisations are also in the mix.
They reach a broad cross-section of the community, including children and youth, people with a disability, and culturally and linguistically diverse artists and audiences. Many tour extensively and have national and international reputations for creative excellence.
Applications were assessed by eight independent panels of experts across the visual and performing arts, theatre, literature, festivals, dance, music, community cultural development and heritage, based on artistic merit, quality of services and contribution, and organisational capacity.
Priority was given to supporting more vulnerable organisations that are delivering strong creative or cultural outcomes: more than 20 per cent of organisations are regionally based, 10 per cent are Indigenous and 10 per cent are dedicated to working with young people.
For the full list of recipients visit creative.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Independent arts organisations are a great addition to our local community. They have incredible reach and impact, providing creative opportunities across the state and showcasing Victorian talent around the globe.”
“Congratulations to the organisers of the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival, I look forward to seeing your contribution to Port Fairy over the coming years.”
“Events and festivals such as this one contribute to the prosperity, growth and community spirit of our regional areas. They are a fantastic way of boosting the profile of the region and drawing new and return visitors to the area and its many attractions.”