Cultural exhibitions to tour to Geraldton

Friday, 20 January 2012

A tribute to Australia’s first expedition to Antarctica is just one of the arts and cultural exhibitions that will tour to Geraldton this year thanks to almost $1.7million in Australian Government funding announced today by Arts Minister Simon Crean.

“We are committed to taking the great art-forms of the capital cities to the regions to ensure all Australians continue to access and participate in our dynamic arts and culture,” Mr Crean said.

“The funding announced today will support 14 organisations to develop and tour exhibitions to venues across Australia, with a particular focus on regional and remote communities.”

This support is provided through the Australian Government’s national touring program Visions of Australia and the Contemporary Touring Initiative.

The funding will provide a wide variety of communities with the opportunity to view significant exhibitions from major galleries and museums, as well as cutting edge contemporary art.

“In advance of Australia’s first National Cultural Policy in almost 20 years, we are demonstrating our commitment to regional arts initiatives,” Mr Crean said. 

“This investment will enhance the liveability of the regions and encourage greater participation in the cultural life of our nation.”

The National Archives of Australia will tour Traversing Antarctica: The Australian Experience to venues across Australia, including Geraldton. The exhibition is a collaboration between the National Archives and the Australian Antarctic Division, exploring 100 years of the Australian experience in Antarctica.

Queensland based arts organisation Artisan will tour to Geraldton Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor: 100 Women 100 Brooches 100 Stories, an exhibition showcasing 100 stories of great Australian women who have broken the barriers in arts, sciences, humanities and sports, and 100 brooches made in response to these stories by 100 women jewellers from across Australia.

Not-for-profit organisation IASKA will tour spaced: art out of place, presenting new works that explore the relationship between the local and the global which is explored in areas such as environmental sustainability, economic change and cross-cultural relationships.

Duty Senator for Durack, Louise Pratt, welcomed the touring of exhibitions to Geraldton.

“This is a terrific opportunity for Geraldton to experience significant arts and cultural exhibitions and celebrate Australia’s creative talent,” Senator Pratt said.

The Visions of Australia program is part of the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting exhibitions of Australian cultural material. Visual arts and craft exhibitions are supported through the Contemporary Touring Initiative, which is a joint program of the Australian, state and territory governments, under the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy.

For more information on the Visions of Australia program and the Contemporary Touring Initiative, or for a full list of funding recipients, visit www.arts.gov.au/regional/visions-of-australia

Media contact:
Minister Crean’s office: Angela Dorizas 0408 685 557 or Glen Atwell 0403 949 599
Senator Pratt’s office: Alanna Clohesy 08 9225 4411

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