THE State Government has thrown its financial support behind a major regional arts gathering to be held in Bathurst later this year.
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Artstate will be held in Bathurst from November 1-4, exploring the many possibilities for arts in regional NSW.
And Bathurst MP Paul Toole said the event represented a significant investment in Bathurst of $200,000 by the state government, bringing with it significant economic benefits.
Bathurst councillors voted last August to set aside $35,000 in the 2018-19 budget as council’s contribution to the event.
“Artstate is a new, four-year project designed to shine a light on excellence in regional arts practice and to explore the exciting possibilities for arts and cultural development across the state,” Mr Toole said.
“It’s an opportunity to celebrate the vibrant regional arts scene. This event offers a unique opportunity to showcase the vibrant and diverse artistic communities in the Central West.”
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Arts Minister Don Harwin announced Bathurst as the 2018 Artstate host during the inaugural Artstate, held in Lismore last year.
“It was an extraordinary display of creative excellence that exists in regional NSW,” Mr Harwin said.
“I have every confidence that Bathurst will take Artstate to new heights in 2018.
“I met Stephen Champion from the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre and Adam Deusian from Lingua Franca and was impressed with their vision.
“The people of Bathurst can look forward to four days of the best that regional arts in NSW can offer.”
Bathurst mayor Graeme Hanger said the event offered a unique opportunity for the vibrant and diverse artistic communities in the Central West.
“Lismore has set the standard high for Artstate, but Bathurst can do it thanks to the talented arts practitioners in our region,” he said.
Regional Arts NSW chief executive officer Elizabeth Rogers said she was looking forward to working with Arts OutWest to deliver Artstate in Bathurst.
Mr Toole joined Arts OutWest executive officer Tracey Callinan, Bathurst councillor Monica Morse and Bathurst Regional Council cultural and community services director Alan Cattermole at an Artstate media launch at BMEC on Thursday.
