New era for Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts

Arts Minster Ros Bates today (5 October) officially opened the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts’ new training facility at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane.

“The Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA) is looking to the future with a new site ready to train the next generation of Indigenous performing artists,” Ms Bates said.

“ACPA was established in 1997 and is the only organisation offering performing arts training to young Indigenous people. It attracts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from urban, regional and remote communities across the nation.”

Ms Bates said the Queensland Government provided funding of $960,000 for the move and supported ACPA through Arts Queensland and the Department of Education, Training and Employment.

“ACPA delivers on the Newman Government’s Arts for All Queenslanders election commitment to make Queensland a cultural hub with a vibrant arts community,” she said.

“Students are already hard at work in the new facility preparing for a number of exciting productions.

“ACPA has a history of presenting exceptional productions, with the acclaimed Stolen winning the 2012 Premier’s Reconciliation Award in partnership with Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation.

“Later this month, more than 50 ACPA students will be involved in a new show called Up the Ladder, directed by Wesley Enoch, at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

“ACPA is also working with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Expressions Dance Company to present Towards the Flame in November.

“Being in this new building means the Centre can aim even higher, creating opportunities and partnerships for its talented students that will benefit us all.”

[ENDS] 5 October 2012

Media contact: Ken Vernon 0431 027 017