Country Arts WA’s Chief Executive Officer, Jessica Machin, launched the organisation’s 2010 program last night at an event celebrating the Country Arts WA’s successes in 2009.

”Next year the priority areas for the organisation will continue to be Indigenous Arts and Culture, Children and Young People, Technology and Health and Wellbeing” said Ms Machin.

Highlights of the 2010 program include the beginning of the four-year Gascoyne Focus Region in partnership with the Gascoyne Development Commission, the second year of the Sand Tracks remote Indigenous music touring initiative and the 2010 Regional Arts Australia volunteer awards.

Machin also officially launched the Western Australian Aboriginal Art Centre Hub (WAAACH) project, set up to establish a peak body for a network of Aboriginal Art Centres throughout the state.

Ms Machin said that Country Arts WA is in an exciting stage in its development and over the next three years will be focusing more on developing its own strategic artistic program.

“In addition to our regular fu nding, state and national touring programs and lobbying and advocacy for the sector, Country Arts WA will continue to build dynamic partnerships and develop its own artistic program.” she said.

Country Arts WA’s Chair, Catherine West, spoke about the organisation’s successes in 2009 including the landmark corporate sponsorship from BHP Billiton Iron Ore to coordinate the Legacy Project in partnership with Artsource and CuriousWorks in Newman, the inaugural Sand Tracks remote Indigenous music tour and the coordination of consultations in Western Australia as part of Regional Arts Australia’s National Consultation.

For more information about Country Arts WA visit www.countryartswa.asn.au

Country Arts WA is an independent, not-for-profit, membership based organisation based in Perth, Western Australia. We exist to help regional Western Australian communities use culture and the arts as part of their community's development through a range of funding, advice and touring services.