Sunday 12 August 2007

$30,000 IN GRANTS FOR REGIONAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
The Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Wriedt, today urged Tasmanian festival and event organisers to apply for grants through the 2008 Regional Event Assistance Program.

“The program provides financial support to help strengthen and grow regional events and festivals throughout the State,” Ms Wriedt said.

“Festivals and events help to build stronger, more vibrant communities. They are a living expression of the Tasmanian experience and showcase the values and attributes of our communities, our people and our island.”

Ms Wriedt said REAP was an initiative of Events Tasmania, in partnership with the Cradle Coast Authority, Northern Tasmania Development and Totally South Tourism.

“Through REAP, the State Government and Regional Tourism Authorities work together to encourage event growth.
“Up to $30,000 is available through the program, with $15,000 being provided by Events Tasmania, and each Regional Tourism Authority contributing $5000.

“As well as generating travel by Tasmanians and adding to the vibrancy of the event calendar, festivals and events instil a real sense of pride in local communities.

“Among last year’s recipients were some truly outstanding projects – diverse, inspiring and perfectly aligned with the Tasmania tourism brand.”

A 2007 REAP grant of $2500 to Fleurtys Café helped its operators establish an annual sculpture competition called Benchmarking Birchs Bay to build awareness of a permanent bush sculpture trail featuring the works of Tasmanian artists.

Café patronage during the competition from mid-April to late May this year grew to high-season levels. As a result, staff were employed for longer periods, Café sales of local products increased and the surrounding area benefited from additional passing trade.

In the North, the Tasmanian Trout Expo at Cressy received a 2007 REAP grant of $1800 to establish a Taste of Trout as part of the coming 25-26 August event. This will include cooking demonstrations and tastings, smoking demonstrations and recipes, as well as tastings of Tasmanian wine. The Taste will add an interactive, hands-on appeal to the weekend experience and increase awareness of a local produce.

Applications to REAP are assessed against a range of criteria, including the festival or event’s ability to attract intrastate and/or interstate visitors to the region; to provide a uniquely Tasmanian experience; and to demonstrate a strategic approach to market development.

REAP grants of up to $5000 will be made to successful applicants for festival and events to be staged in the 2008 calendar year.

The 2008 REAP grant round closes on 30 September. Application forms and criteria can be downloaded from www.eventstasmania.com/reap.

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

(03) 6230 8244
email mediainfo@tourism.tas.gov.au