A new Statutory Authority is to be established to manage the arts and cultural assets of Western Australia following legislation approved by the State Parliament.
The Arts and Culture Trust Act replaces the Perth Theatre Trust Act 1979, and will provide the legislative authority for the trust to establish, own and operate the proposed $100 million state-of-the-art screen production facility.
The Arts and Culture Trust will replace the Perth Theatre Trust, which manages some of the State’s theatres, including His Majesty’s Theatre (pictured) and the State Theatre Centre, as well as some venues outside the City of Perth.
According to the Minister for Culture and the Arts, David Templeman , the Trust will be a Statutory Authority, managed by a Board.
Mr Templeman said the legislation would also provide certainty to resident companies including the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra, Black Swan Theatre Company, the West Australian Opera, and the West Australian Ballet.
“Successive Governments over many years have identified the need for reform in relation to the management of WA’s cultural assets,” Mr Templeman said
“The new Arts and Culture Trust will help achieve the Government’s vision of a having a body that can not only manage theatres, but also other cultural assets around the State.”
He said this was particularly important as the State progressed towards the construction of the $100 million screen production facility.
“The new Statutory Authority will have broader powers and more flexibility to manage our cultural assets for future generations,” the Minister said.
“The flexibility will create opportunities for local and surrounding businesses, potentially generating jobs in cultural tourism, hospitality and retail sectors,” he said.
