New future for arts touring to benefit Townsville

Arts Minister Rod Welford today pointed to a new future for performing arts touring that will broaden and diversify arts experiences for all Queenslanders across the state, including Townsville.

While visiting the Riverway Arts Centre at Thuringowa today Mr Welford said Arts Queensland was one step closer to implementing a new performing arts touring strategy.

“My Department has spent the past five months talking to the arts industry asking for feedback and advice on how we can work together to develop the best strategy for Queensland performing arts touring,” Mr Welford said.

“A report on these consultations is now available and it will inform the first performing arts touring strategy for Queensland.

“We live in the most decentralised state in Australia and it is vital we get this strategy right.

“We have listened to what people in the industry have had to say and the strong messages from those who contributed to our discussions include: participation in decision-making; a touring model that can support the diverse needs of different communities; and the ability of communities around Queensland to participate in the creative process.

“Underpinning this new strategy is a commitment from the Queensland Government to support regional Queensland and the right for anyone, anywhere in the state to experience quality arts.”

Member for Townsville Mike Reynolds said the Townsville Civic Theatre, Tropic Sun Theatre and Riverway Centre had contributed to the consultation paper.

“I thank these local organisations for providing input into this important consultation process,” Mr Reynolds said.

“A regional touring strategy for the performing arts will be of huge benefit to Townsville locals because ultimately it will improve the diversity of cultural experiences for this area.”

Mr Welford said more than 66 individuals and organisations around Queensland contributed to the discussion on the future of performing arts touring across the state.

“These discussions are ongoing with a final strategy to be completed before the end of 2009 with a new way forward for performing arts touring taking effect in 2010,” he said.

“I urge you to read the Touring Strategy Consultation Report which is on the Arts Queensland website (www.arts.qld.gov.au) and to make further contributions to this critical discussion.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 0419 734 985