Western Australia’s cultural life is about to be transformed with the biggest single State Government arts funding injection in the State’s history. Premier Alan Carpenter unveiled a dynamic $73million package of initiatives designed to transform dance, theatre, music and visual arts, as well as change the shape of WA’s cultural landscape.
Mr Carpenter said the multi-million dollar package would see WA provide some of the richest art awards in the nation, and position the State as the third largest independent film and television production centre in the country.
‘WA is an economic powerhouse which now gives us a golden opportunity to build on our State’s cultural lifestyle,’ he said.
‘Our vision is for a State that respects and embraces the arts and one that enriches the WA community.’
The Premier said the innovative package would include Australia’s richest indigenous art prize, the Premier’s literary award – now the richest in the nation, the creation of an acquisition fund for the Art Gallery of WA, a major sculpture project and a new philanthropy incentive program.
He said a major production fund would also be established. It was the first of its kind in Australia and was an extremely significant investment on the Australian cultural map.
Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale said the initiatives aimed to make WA an even better place to live by celebrating, showcasing and building on the tremendous depth of artistic talent in the State.
‘WA is already blessed with a unique and prosperous lifestyle and this vision has the potential to make our great State even greater,’ Ms McHale said.
‘This significant package will provide fantastic opportunities for the tens of thousands of people in our creative and arts industries in WA.
‘The Carpenter Government is protecting our State’s unique lifestyle and creating jobs and opportunities for all Western Australians.’
The ‘Ignite’ package includes:
• ScreenWest – $3.2million for WA’s screen production agency to create further sensational product and cement the State’s position as one of Australia’s biggest independent production centres.
[release from ScreenWest]