PRODUCERS APPOINTED TO LEAD REGIONAL CENTRE FOR CULTURE PROGRAM
The Andrews Labor Government’s 2018 Regional Centre for Culture initiative is another step closer, with the appointment of two renowned producers who will work with the region’s creative community to shape the year-long program.
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards today welcomed Jo Porter and Elizabeth Walsh as the producers for the Regional Centre for Culture program.
Jo Porter is the former Chair of Geelong Theatre Company Back to Back, and former Executive Producer at Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre. She has worked on a range of Broadway and West-End theatre productions in New York and London.
Elizabeth Walsh is an artistic director, producer and curator who has worked across the performing and visual arts sector. She is the former director of Footscray Community Arts Centre and the former CEO, and artistic director of Tasmania's state-wide cultural festival Ten Days on the Island.
As producers, Jo and Elizabeth will work with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, local councils, creative practitioners and the local community to shape the Regional Centre for Culture program.
They will also take charge of marketing to ensure a broad cross section of the community, and visitors to the area, are involved.
An initiative of the Labor Government’s Creative State strategy, the first ever Regional Centre for Culture will be held in 2018 across the City of Greater Bendigo, Mount Alexander Shire, Central Goldfields Shire and Hepburn Shire.
The appointment of the producers follows the launch of a special Regional Centre for Culture Local Grants program which will provide grants of between $1,500 and $30,000 to support local creative projects and activities taking place in 2018.
To find out more about the Regional Centre for Culture initiative, go to:
www.creative.vic.gov.au/regional-centre-for-culture
Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“Jo and Elizabeth will be a great asset to the Regional Centre for Culture project. They are the creative minds behind events that have made a big impact locally and internationally and have a wealth of experience working with communities, artists and creative organisations of all sizes.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“The experience of our two producers, combined with the riches of our local creative community, is sure to create a program that will make our region the place to be in 2018, and will create ripples that will be felt for many years to come.”