The Australia Council’s theatre board has announced changes to its funding programs for 2008, following the Make it new consultations.

Changes to the 2008 funding program aim to provide increased support for emerging theatremakers, a stronger network of presenting companies to take new works into production and a clearer focus for triennially-funded organisations.

The changes follows 18 months of consultation with the theatre sector, sparked by the Make it new? discussion paper. Public meetings were held in major capital cities, and over 40 artists and organisations made submissions to online forums.

Australia Council director of theatre John Baylis thanked everyone who contributed to the process.

‘A number of clear messages came from the theatre sector during the consultations – more support for dynamic young theatremakers, better ways to get works into production and a clearer brief for established organisations,’ he said.

‘We have attempted to give these areas a stronger focus in our funding programs for next year.

‘I would like to thank everyone who made the time and effort to help create funding programs that acknowledge the realities of theatre today and can realise the possibilities of theatre tomorrow.’

Media enquiries

Andrew Parker
Mob: 0434 310 210