A total of 12 small to medium arts organisations will be supported through 2025 and 2026 as a result of the program, including Bendigo-based Arena Theatre Company.

The $350,000 received by Arena Theatre Company will provide funding to sustain and expand their current programs across 2025-26.

Arena Theatre Company is a leading theatre producer for young audiences, with a key focus on introducing youth in Central Victoria to the benefits of theatre and creative arts through a range of workshops and immersive experiences.

The Creative Australia initiative has been made possible thanks to an additional $3.88 million investment from the Federal Labor Government and will provide a much needed boost to organisations across theatre, dance, experimental arts, community arts and cultural development, and visual arts.

Announced in 2023, the Federal Labor Government’s $238 million Revive National Cultural Policy is supporting Australia’s creative workers, organisations and audiences to continue to thrive and grow.


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP: 

“The benefits of community arts and theatre are far reaching, and Bendigo is lucky to have Arena Theatre Company to provide artists a platform to tell their story.

“Organisations like these play a vital role in the local community and I’m proud to see our government step in to fund this new two-year pilot program.

“Only the Federal Labor Government understands the true value and contribution that arts organisations make to the lives of Australians.”