From children's theatre to classical music, an exciting selection of Victorian creative events will go on tour to regional and outer metropolitan communities in 2025 - with support through the latest round of the Allan Labor Government's Touring Victoria program.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks today announced more than $545,000 in grants to support Victorian artists and creative organisations to tour their productions, performances, exhibitions and programs across the state so that Victorians of all ages can be part of creative experiences close to home.
Not only does the program take our home-grown shows across the state, it helps artists and creative companies to build their profiles and audiences, backs creative jobs and boosts local economies.
The latest round of Touring Victoria grants will support 209 events across 94 locations, with artists to hit the road from 1 December 2024.
Gunditjmara/Kokatha singer-songwriter David Arden will tour a new work to 10 Victorian locations including Yea and Bairnsdale, and Nicholas Clark Management will tour three works including IMAGINE LIVE, a children's performance of the iconic book by Victorian author Alison Lester, which will visit 39 locations from Warrnambool to Orbost.
Orchestra Victoria will bring concerts and all-ages events to nursing homes, schools and libraries at 12 regional Victorian towns including Mooroopna, Cobram and Shepparton.
Award winning performance company Finucane & Smith will work with community members to present 'Lola' - a performance that tells the tale of legendary showgirl Lola Montez, which will visit 23 towns across the state including Dookie, Portarlington and Clunes.
The grant recipients are still locking in their full itineraries, so keep an eye on local guides to see the tours hitting your town.
Touring Victoria is part of the Labor Government's Creative State 2025 strategy. The 2024 round of the program is supported through the Victorian Government's Community Support Fund. For more details on the latest recipients, visit creative.vic.gov.au/news
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks
"The Touring Victoria program is about helping our home-grown artists and companies to hit the road and connect with audiences and communities across the state."
"This program is just one example of how the Allan Labor Government is backing artists and the creative sector to grow and thrive and opening up opportunities for Victorians of all ages to be part of it, no matter where they live."
