Queens Park Theatre to receive three-year cycle of $70,000 per annum in State Government funding initiative

Geraldton’s Queens Park Theatre has secured $210,000 in funding over three years from the State Government as part of an initiative that strives to support regional arts. As part of the initiative, 22 venues across the State secured grants of up to $70,000 per annum over a three year cycle. The grants are open to regional art venues operated by local government, or not-for-profit organisations. The funding program consists of two branches, regional exhibition touring boosts for public art galleries, and regional arts and cultural investment for performing arts venues, which the Queens Park Theatre is classified under. The funding will help regional theatres, civic centres, public galleries, and other arts venues to expand their annual programming to better engage the local community and create opportunities for cultural tourism. Some of the programs funded include initiatives that will support productions written for and by First Nations people, greater participation by children and young people, and the upskilling of artists and arts workers in regional communities. “Our regional communities are diverse and talented,” Culture and Arts Minister David Templeman said. “The State Government is proud to deliver funding that encourages a diversity of voices and audiences in the regional arts sector.” Mr Templeman said the funding helped ensure access to quality arts programs in the regions. Funding was also secured for the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery, which locked in $45,530 of funding a year over three years, announced in May.