- Published:
- Tuesday 17 May 2016
From circus in Sea Lake to music in Mildura, Victoria’s reputation as the creative state has been boosted by the largest ever investment in regional touring by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minster for Creative Industries Martin Foley today announced over $1.6 million to support a range of regional tours over the next three years, including major new shows by some of the state’s leading companies.
The grants will see dynamic artists and flagship companies – including Melbourne Theatre Company, Circus Oz and Malthouse Theatre – hit the road, bringing a range of theatre, literature events, children’s shows, exhibitions, opera and music events to a range of regional destinations.
Melbourne Recital Centre will tour its 2016 Local Heroes program, including Melbourne Guitar Quartet, Kate Ceberano and Paul Grabowsky, Stiletto Sisters and Inventi Ensemble to destinations include Castlemaine, Daylesford and Mildura.
Children and families have plenty to look forward to with a number of shows designed for younger audiences, including:
- Victorian Opera’s Cinderella
- Malthouse’s new Australian work, Turbine by Dan Giovannoni
- A music theatre adaptation of the classic children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
- Programs from Circus Oz, Melbourne Writers Festival, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Victoria
Other highlights include Melbourne Theatre Company’s What Rhymes with Cars and Girls which will be heading to destinations including Geelong, shows by leading contemporary dance company Chunky Move, Opera Australia’s tour of Madame Butterfly, and Willy Russelll’s Shirley Valentine care of HIT Productions.
Many of the tours also include workshops, education programs and community events that will see community members learning new skills and in some cases, performing alongside professional artists.
A full list of supported tours for 2016-2018 is available at creative.vic.gov.au/news
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“Our creative industries strategy is all about making Victoria a creative state – which means spreading the benefits of our creative strengths to all Victorians, wherever they live.”
“Our investment will see some of Victoria’s most respected and exciting arts companies providing the best entertainment throughout regional Victoria.”
“We are doing this through a range of new and boosted programs including the largest ever investment in regional touring.”