Local Government a vital partner to WA’s regional arts
Regional Arts WA
Collaborative partnerships with local government are vital to creating and supporting a vibrant and successful regional arts culture, according to leading arts organisation Country Arts WA.
The importance of local government to the regional arts sector and what it delivers to local economies and the social fabric of our country towns and remote communities will be one of many topics discussed at a major arts forum in October.
Country Arts WA today called on local governments from around the state to send their representatives to the 2017 WA Regional Arts Summit which will be held in the City of Mandurah from 12 to 15 October 2017.
Produced in the Peel region, Maxima and Pulse’s co-produced “FEARLESS” will be on show at the Summit. Photo courtesy of Gibson Nolte
The Summit will bring together more than 300 people from across the state and national arts sectors to exchange information, experiences and formulate ‘big ideas’ to cultivate and promote a dynamic and successful regional arts future.
The four-day event is presented by Country Arts WA in partnership with the City of Mandurah and the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, with support from the Royalties for Regions Creative Regions program.
Promoting the Summit today, Country Arts WA Executive Director Paul MacPhail said the Peel region, particularly Mandurah, was chosen to host the event due to its outstanding cross sector partnerships and vibrant, innovative arts scene.
“Mandurah has a thriving and increasingly popular arts and cultural scene which is delivering real results and opportunities not only for employment and tourism but social interaction, inclusion and cultural enrichment,” Mr MacPhail said.
“The success of the arts movement in Peel is supported by the close partnership of the City of Mandurah and Mandurah Performing Arts Centre – a leading example of how local government and arts organisations can work together to achieve strong arts and cultural outcomes for their community. This key partnership is reinforced by a close alignment with the strategic intent of both the Peel Development Commission and Regional Development Australia Peel – creating a powerful and collaborative cross government approach.”
“We would encourage local government representatives from all over regional WA to take part in this coming together of minds – some of the best in the arts sector in the state and nation – so they can contribute and share their experiences in the regions and explore new and creative ways for growing and supporting the arts.”
City of Mandurah’s Mayor Marina Vergone agrees, “The City is really proud to be a partner in the 2017 WA Regional Arts Summit that will highlight the vibrancy and depth of artistic talent locally and across regional WA. The conference will provide the City with the opportunity to showcase its leadership role in arts, culture and heritage.”
“Our ongoing investment in arts and culture reinforces Mandurah’s place as a tourist destination and as an exemplar of innovative arts and culture practices and initiatives. We are proud to champion Mandurah’s unique offerings and developing regional initiatives with delegates in October.”
Mandurah Performing Arts Centre’s General Manager, Guy Boyce continues, “As we mark our 20th Birthday, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre has been proud to work with the City of Mandurah to celebrate and share arts and cultural experiences, to unite our community and make Mandurah a great place to live. In particular we are thrilled to support our local artists to grace our gallery and stages, and to enable our young artists to pursue a career in the arts.”
“We are so excited to be a partner for the Summit as it represents a shining opportunity for our community to show regional WA what we have been up to, to learn from the great artists and art workers in regional WA, and to set up future collaborations for MAXIMA, Riptide and our Peel region artists.”
Mr MacPhail said the success of the Royalties for Regions Creative Regions Program was clearly evident around Western Australia and had created a thriving culture of arts and performance in the regions.
“This vital funding has significantly contributed to the sustainability of arts projects and programs across the state, creating jobs, building skills and increasing the vibrancy and liveability of our country towns and regions.
“Country Arts WA sees firsthand the success stories that this injection of funding has delivered to the people of regional Western Australia,” Mr MacPhail said.
Mr MacPhail said the Summit was also a great opportunity to showcase the talent and high level of creativity of the artists and arts organisations coming out of regional WA, with a program of performance, dance, comedy and visual arts also planned.
Early bird registrations closes 31 August and prices starts from $425.00 and are available at www.countryartswa.asn.au.
