Busselton and Margaret arts programs to receive a collective $100,000 from State regional festival funding

The South West arts sector is set to inject new life into the community with a funding boost from the State Government. Part of the McGowan Government’s $20 million four-year Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program, the The Regional and Remote Festivals Fund offers up to $50,000 for the presentation of arts and cultural activities at regional festivals. This year, both the Busselton Performing Arts Festival and Margaret River Arts Inc have been selected to receive funding. Performance company Bare Naked Events will receive $48, 500 and $50,000 will go to the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival. In total, $400,000 is to be invested into regional festivals spanning Albany to Roebourne. Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said she hoped the money would rebuild what was lost in the arts community through the COVID-19 pandemic. “These projects will help to reignite arts and cultural activity in a sector that has been hit hard by COVID-19 — especially for the regions,” she said. “The funding will provide local artists with opportunities to showcase their work and regional audiences to participate in new arts experiences.” After a period of disconnection due to the COVID-19 pandemic, culture and the arts are vital to creating vibrant, inclusive and connected communities. Additionally, funding for festivals creates regional jobs, contributes to tourism and enables communities to participate in local arts activities. Since the development of the RACIP in 2019, almost $13 million has gone to support arts and culture throughout regional and remote WA. The funding aims to deliver social inclusion, accessibility and employment opportunities in regional communities. Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman encouraged Perth locals to get out and support regional arts. “RACIPs like these create jobs, economic development, tourism and improving social connection through regional festivals,” he said. “I encourage you to wander out yonder and get involved in the wide range of regional festivals in 2022.”