CircuitWest secures major Creative Australia multi-year funding to grow audiences for First Nations performing arts across regional WA
CircuitWest has secured $900,000 in Creative Australia’s Playing Australia Multi-Year Funding to deliver an ambitious three-year Audience Development Strategy that will grow and deepen audiences for First Nations performing arts across regional Western Australia.
The investment will build venue capability to present First Nations performing arts, deepen partnerships with First Nations communities, and support meaningful audience engagement. Thousands of audience members are expected to attend performances spanning theatre, dance, circus, music and storytelling by First Nations artists.
The initiative will be delivered in partnership with four regional performing arts venues:
- Arts Margaret River – based at Nala Bardip Mia / Margaret River HEART, the centre has strong relationships that support Wadandi cultural knowledge and community-led programming.
- Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre (BREC) – a leading multi-theatre venue with a strong track record in First Nations engagement, including an Elder in Residence and the upcoming launch of a First Nations Audience Ambassador Program.
- Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre – a multi-purpose community hub with an established and respectful relationship with the Harvey Aboriginal Corporation.
- Matt Dann Theatre & Cinema – a performing arts venue located on Kariyarra land, Port Hedland and serving a culturally diverse community and supporting Kariyarra, Ngarla and Nyamal Peoples.
CircuitWest Executive Director Philippa Maughan says the Federal investment represents a commitment to First Nations artists, communities and regional audiences across Western Australia.
“This multi-year support from Creative Australia enables CircuitWest and our venue partners to take a long-term, community-led approach to growing audiences for First Nations performing arts in regional WA.
“By investing in relationships and local capability, this program will support First Nations artists to share their stories on their own terms, while ensuring regional communities have greater access to bold, diverse and high-quality First Nations work.
“It’s a significant step forward not only for our state, but for the national touring landscape – recognising that strong audiences are built through trust, continuity and deep collaboration with First Nations communities.”
Audiences across regional Western Australia can look forward to powerful performances, community events and shared experiences that celebrate First Nations culture, creativity and storytelling in the years ahead.
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Media Contact:
Weng-Si Cheang, Manager, Research and Audience Development
Phone: 08 6202 1045
Email: wcheang@circuitwest.com.au
Photo: Breaksea’s production of Aliwah Bardinar! Jarred Wall as Djidi Djidi (Willy Wagtail). Image by Andrew J Clarke.