Website: http://www.billsykes.com.au/                                                                                                      MEDIA RELEASE 

Wednesday 18 July 2007

SYKES: ARTS VICTORIA FUNDING AVAILABLE

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, is encouraging local artists, arts groups, schools and teachers to apply for funding through the 2007-2008 Arts Victoria funding programs.

“This Arts Victoria’s funding program supports Victorian artists and arts companies working in all art form,” Dr Sykes said.

Support is also available for activities including the creation and presentation of new work, Artists in schools, regional touring, music career touring & building grants, community partnerships, local government partnerships, programming, international touring and cultural exchange.

Dr Sykes concluded, “I believe it’s important for people to be aware of available funding and I am very keen to see these opportunities utilised locally.”

Funding Categories                                                                Applications close

•  Arts Development                                                          15 August 2007

•  Programming                                                                 20 September 2007

•  International                                                                  14 December 2007

•  Touring Victoria                                                               1 August 2007

•  Victoria Rocks (Music) New Fund                                   10 September 2007

•  Indigenous Travel and PD Fund                                       July - November 2007

•  Artists in Schools                                                          28 September 2007

•  Community Partnerships                                                15 August 2007

•  Local Government Partnerships                                       All year round

•  Organisations Annual Operations                                    30 August 2007

•  Multi – Year Operations & Federal Partnerships               31 July 2007

Information on Arts Victoria’s funding programs, including the 2007-08 Funding Program Overview booklet and individual program guidelines and application forms, can be obtained from the Arts Victoria website,www.arts.vic.gov.au, or by contacting Arts Victoria reception on, Freecall 1800 134 894 (Regional Victoria only) or email artsvic@dpc.vic.gov.au.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989