Independent Theatre Initiative (ITI) - Ignite Theatre Funding for WA Community Theatre

MINISTER FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS
                                                                                              MEDIA STATEMENT

19/5/08                                              

Community theatre uplifted with State support

State Government has committed $5million over four years to improve venues and provide strategic support for the culture and arts sector in Western Australia.

Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale announced that the Arts Capital Fund, which forms part of the Ignite package, would provide $400,000 to the independent, community-run theatre sector.

“Community, amateur and independent theatre associations are an integral part of the artistic community,” Ms McHale said.

 “This fund will support installation or upgrades of equipment and fixtures in existing venues used by these groups which will improve production values.

“It will also support activity such as technical and marketing skills training, and attendance at conferences and events.”

Independent community-based theatre groups and organisations in metropolitan and regional Western Australia, who are members of the Independent Theatre Association, are encouraged to apply for the fund.

Independent Theatre Association president Kimberley Shaw said the fund would deliver real benefits to people involved in the industry and would lift the quality of the theatre experience.   

"We are thrilled to be able to improve our facilities, the standards of our productions and the comfort level of our audiences," Ms Shaw said.

Funding applications will close on August 1, 2008 for activity commencing from December 1, 2008. Guidelines can be downloaded at http://www.dca.wa.gov.au or from the Independent Theatre Association website.

The remainder of the Arts Capital Fund will provide support to a range of arts and cultural organisations focusing on the activities of the professional arts sector.

“This fund will deliver and maintain infrastructure that will sustain culture and arts which is essential to the wellbeing of our community,” Ms McHale said.

Ignite is 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.

http://www.dca.wa.gov.au/

For ITI Guidelines, Application Form and complete Media Release please go to the posting under Billboard Bulletins.