Perth Festival and Lotterywest celebrate milestone
Western Australia will celebrate a milestone in the arts tomorrow with the Perth Festival marking its 60th Festival opening.
As well as this significant anniversary, the Festival will celebrate a 20 year partnership with Lotterywest.
"We are very grateful to Lotterywest for the core support they have provided to present a world-class festival for Western Australians over the past twenty years," Festival Chairman Michael Smith said.
"Lotterywest has renewed its support for the Festival, with an annual commitment of $5.5 million over the next four years."
Mr Smith said that it was not only the financial support which Lotterywest gives but also the quality partnership and the shared vision between the two organisations.
"We congratulate the Perth Festival on the achievement of their 60th Festival. Lotterywest is proud to be associated with this renowned international event which brings the world's finest artists to Western Australia each summer," Lotterywest Chairman John Atkins said.
"The Festival's events ensure the whole community can engage and enjoy a host of exciting experiences, ultimately contributing to creating a richer and more inclusive Western Australia."
During the 20 year partnership, Lotterywest and Perth Festival have also presented a range of free family events.
This year these events will include the Lotterywest Festival Opening Dawn:Dusk on 10 February at Cottesloe Beach at dawn and Princess Park in Albany at dusk as part of the Great Southern Festival program.
The Lotterywest Festival Celebration which will see the aerial spectacle, Place des Anges, will take place on St Georges Terrace on 11 February. Another unique experience Lotterywest has supported this year is Home Sweet Home. Taking place at the WA Museum from 24 February, it will encourage local people to bring their creativity and use cardboard kits to build and decorate a vibrant new Perth from the ground up.
The annual Lotterywest Festival Films featuring the finest international films continue on the outdoor screens at Somerville and Joondalup Pines.
"We acknowledge the University of Western Australia and the Board of Perth Festival in their leadership of the Festival," Mr Atkins said.
"All of us at Lotterywest congratulate the artistic directors both past and present for their creative initiative in bringing so many wonderful experiences to Perth, and thank the many staff and volunteers who work so hard behind the scenes on the Festival events."
Mr Atkins also expressed his appreciation to Lotterywest retailers and players, and the contribution they make in helping to raise money for the Western Australian community by selling and playing lottery games.
The Perth International Arts Festival will run from 10 February to 3 March, while the Lotterywest Festival Films will run until 15 April.
More information can be found at www.perthfestival.com.au
Media Contacts:
Rania Ghandour, Media Relations Manager, Perth Festival, 6488 8618 / 0403 025 535
Jody Nunn, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, Lotterywest, 0413 705 028