Media Release: 9 June 2022 (embargoed until 12pm 9 June 2022)
Today ARTRAGE launches a new giving program as the organisation looks to create year round opportunities for Western Australian artists and audiences.
Funds raised through the program will go to ARTRAGE’s new Free Range initiative. Free Range aims to take artists out into new locations, new places, free from the constraints and expectations of traditional theatre spaces. The program will provide mentorship and development opportunities for Artists supported by the ARTRAGE team, helping turn ideas into works ready for the stage.
Generous donations made will enable ARTRAGE to support the creation of unique new West Australian works with Artists and carry on ARTRAGE’s tradition of delivering live events that offer something for everyone. The program will see pilot works developed later this year and performed in early 2023, following this an expression of interest will open for new works to take part in the program.
ARTRAGE produces the iconic FRINGE WORLD Festival which is celebrated by hundreds of thousands of people annually as well as the picturesque Rooftop Movies which will return with exciting new events from October this year. The organisations shift to year-round
activity comes at a time that Perth, particularly the CBD, has a great need for increased activation to bounce back from the impacts caused by COVID-19.
Sharon Burgess, ARTRAGE CEO explains the organisation’s ambitions beyond FRINGE WORLD and Rooftop Movies, “As ARTRAGE emerges from the challenges faced from the pandemic we look to new horizons. Our experience has shown us that Western Australia is
full of remarkable talent and that West Australian audiences have a real hunger for increased cultural vibrancy throughout the state. Together we want to create year-round opportunities and quality experiences which in turn will sustain and grow our industry.”
Kyle Jeavons ARTRAGE Board Chair, seconded the importance of expanding the organisation’s reach to help reinvigorate our city, making it a better place to live year-round, “This is an exciting first step for ARTRAGE and speaks to our greater ambitions for the future. Advancing the vibrancy of Western Australia’s cultural and artistic sector are crucial elements in the state’s continued growth and prosperity and is the mission behind everything ARTRAGE does.”
ARTRAGE was able to undertake the significant capacity building required to create the new Free Range initiative and the ground work for its new giving program through generous support received from Woodside Energy, who in 2021 announced they were transitioning to support ARTRAGE after years of sponsorship of FRINGE WORLD Festival.
To find out more about the ARTRAGE Philanthropy program visit the ARTRAGE websitehttps://www.artrage.com.au/support-us. Donations can be made directly to the site, by
emailing donate@artrage.com.au or by calling ARTRAGE on (08 9227 6288).
