Venues in Esperance, including the town’s historic Bijou Theatre, will benefit from the latest round of Regional Venues Improvement Fund grants.
The Regional Venues Improvement Fund (RVIF) is part of the State Government’s $24 million investment over four years in regional culture and arts through the Creative Regions Program, made possible by Royalties for Regions.
Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Dave Grills MLC said $2.09 million in grants had been provided in the latest round of the RVIF to improve facilities at performing arts venues across regional Western Australia.
“I am glad that two projects in the Esperance region are set to benefit from the latest round of RVIF grants,” Mr Grills said.
“The Shire of Esperance will receive $138,292 for the replacement and upgrade of audio and lighting equipment at the Esperance Civic Centre, which is no longer fit for purpose.
“Across town, the Esperance Theatre Guild has been allocated $40,025 for the upgrade of the lighting and communication system equipment at the 120 year old Bijou Theatre. The upgrade will assist in reducing the theatre’s energy consumption and operating costs and will also enable the iconic theatre to further attract visiting touring productions.”
Mr Grills said the RVIF was designed to improve facilities at regional performing arts venues to better accommodate regional performing arts organisations and artists, as well as enabling more performing arts groups to tour the regions.
Nationals WA Candidate for the Agricultural Region Colin de Grussa said he was happy to see Royalties for Regions investing in programs that helped to improve the cultural and arts scenes in regional towns such as Esperance.
“These grants are helping to create better venues which support the development of culture and the arts in the regions and provide greater entertainment options for locals,” Mr de Grussa said.
“The RVIF is just another example of Royalties for Regions enhancing the liveability of regional communities in our State.”
The third round of RVIF grants opens on Monday 30 January, 2017 and will focus on improving the functionality of regional performing arts venues as well as upgrading technical equipment.
For more information, visit http://www.dca.wa.gov.au/funding/grants-programs/the-regional-venues-improvement-fund/
For media enquiries contact Dave Grills MLC on (08) 9071 500 or email dave.grills@mp.wa.gov.au
