Claims that Government has failed to provide suitable arts infrastructure ill-informed

25/01/00
Opposition claims that the State Government has failed to provide suitable arts infrastructure show a disappointing lack of knowledge of the many wonderful facilities operating in Perth, Arts Minister Mike Board said today.
In response to criticism from Labor's Arts spokesman, Tom Stephens,
Mr Board said State Government funding support was provided to 23 arts agencies, 13 of which were either housed in Government-owned buildings or given subsidies for infrastructure costs.
"We are committed to providing support to the arts in the city and throughout the metropolitan area - and that is demonstrated by the significant number of agencies we fund and house," the Minister said.
"I am very keen to ensure arts venues are maintained within the city and Northbridge, which is why my office is working with the Ministry for Culture and the Arts, ArtsWA and other relevant organisations to find a new performance venue for ArtRage."
Mr Board said he had not criticised the City of Perth for asking ArtRage to vacate the Northbridge Gasworks site, only expressed surprise that the move had happened so quickly.
"The City of Perth acted well within its rights - the Gasworks was only ever provided as a temporary storage facility," he said.
"What also needs to be pointed out is that ArtRage has a permanent home at Arts House in Northbridge, provided by the Government along with $534,000 over three years in funding. What we are working to find for the group is a permanent performance venue.
"Mr Stephens' suggestion that the East Perth Power Station be used as a temporary measure does not provide ArtRage with a permanent solution."
Mr Board said the State Government also was acting on the recommendations of a report commissioned last year which proposed strategies to revitalise and upgrade arts facilities in Perth, Subiaco and Fremantle.
Media contact: Tamatha Smith 9222 9211