New future for arts touring to benefit Cairns

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 Cairns.

While visiting the region 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.

“This will be the first performing arts touring strategy for Queensland.

“It is vital we get this strategy right in a state which is the most decentralised in Australia.

“We have listened to what people in the industry have had to say on this issue 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 across 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 Barron River Steve Wettenhall said the Civic Theatre, Cairns City Council and JUTE Theatre had contributed to the consultation paper.

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

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

Mr Welford said ore than 66 individuals and organisations from 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