Funding secured for arts festival

The future of the arts in the Great Southern is looking bright after the McGowan Government helped secure a funding injection for the inaugural Albany Arts Festival.

The boost of $15,000 funded through the Great Southern Development Commission, will help to ensure the success of the festival, which will drive economic development and job creation.

The festival will run throughout February, March and April and features international theatre, music, visual arts, circus, spoken word and film.

Albany Arts Festival replaces the Perth International Arts Festival in Albany for 2018.

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the Albany Arts Festival was a fantastic addition to the Great Southern.

“Arts build communities and drive economic development —the Albany Arts Festival adds to Albany’s rich tapestry,” she said.

Albany MLA Peter Watson also said arts events made a great contribution to the community and the development of cultural tourism,

“Our incredibly diverse tourism and arts sectors also create jobs, produce goods and services, and are part of the major attractions for the region,” he said.