Regional touring takes centre-stage in $5 million performing arts boost

The Morrison Government is investing an extra $5 million to support performing arts touring in regional and remote communities as they rebound from the effects of COVID-19.

The Playing Australia Regional Recovery Investment 2021, through the Australia Council, will provide extra funding for performing arts organisations that have already been awarded grants under previous rounds of the Playing Australia Program and were heavily disrupted by the pandemic. The additional funding will support the viability of their regional and remote touring projects.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the investment would support performing companies and all the regional performing art centres around Australia. 

“This targeted support will connect regional and remote communities to music, theatre, dance and other inspiring performing arts, supporting community well-being, and driving economic recovery and arts development,” Minister Fletcher said.

“Since 2012, the Australia Council has delivered $54.8m to 251 projects, reflecting the Morrison Government’s significant investment in increasing the audience reach of performing arts.”

Australia Council CEO Adrian Collette AM said “This funding will mean Australians living in regional and remote areas will have the opportunity to experience more of the wonderful diversity of talent and creativity through tours by performing arts companies, as well as that already fostered in their own communities.”

“It will be wonderful to see more performances being staged in regional centres and communities across Australia through this new investment.”

Playing Australia is administered by the Australia Council and has three grant rounds each year. Recipients are selected by the Australia Council through peer review.

Interim changes to the Playing Australia guidelines will also be made to assist organisations to negotiate the ongoing impact of COVID-19.

Applications are now open and will close on 1 June 2021, followed by the next round closing on 12 October 2021.

For more information on Playing Australia, visit: www.australiacouncil.gov.au/funding