The Australia Council for the Arts has announced that Country Arts SA, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre (WA), Ausdance Qld, Frankston Arts Centre (Vic) and BlakDance Australia in partnership with Performing Lines (national) will all be receiving funding to enable audiences in regional areas to enjoy contemporary dance performances.
Australia Council director Carin Mistry says that the funding will allow regional audiences to see touring productions by major dance companies and choreographers, and newly commissioned work and to meet the artists through activities such as workshops and Q&A sessions. “Contemporary dance is not often toured to regional areas, which makes it difficult for audiences to experience this type of dance and increase interest in this artform,” remarks Mistry. “This funding aims to change that by bringing renowned productions and artists to these communities to not only see the works, but to learn more about them and get involved by engaging with the artists. It builds on our investment in national touring through Playing Australia by creating local dance engagement programs lasting up to two years.”
The funding will see works from companies such as Sydney Dance Company, Expressions Dance Company, ADT, Force Majeure and Marrugeku Theatre and works from independent artists, including Larissa McGowan, Aimee Smith, Sue Healey, Claire Marshall and Gavin Webber presented at selected regional venues.
For more information about which works and artists will be touring where head here.