ARTLANDS DUBBO 2016 Set for October

The varied and diverse arts world will converge in regional NSW this October at ARTLANDS DUBBO 2016. Think art, education, music, theatre, circus and so much more under the backdrop of big open skies and fresh air.

The four-day conference and festival program highlights were launched today at the Sydney Opera House under the tagline, "Part Conference, Part Festival, All Arts." It was announced that early bird tickets are now on sale.

Presented by Regional Arts Australia and Regional Arts NSW and supported by Dubbo City Council, the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, ARTLANDS DUBBO 2016 is the must-attend event for artists and arts workers living and working in regional Australia.

The biennial event will feature national and international keynote speakers and panels, and facilitate forums, workshops, and discussions surrounding three key themes within the arts sector: Regeneration, Connectedness and Emergence. Each theme will explore contemporary issues, challenges and opportunities through research, exploration, debate and collaboration. Key speakers include Associate Professor Mark McMillan from Melbourne Law School, Director of Arts for Health at Manchester Metropolitan University Clive Parkinson, and Chief Executive of New Arts Exchange in Nottingham Skinder Hundal.

Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts Troy Grant said the NSW Government is proud to be supporting ARTLANDS, which is a great opportunity to showcase regional NSW's vibrant arts and culture to a national audience.

"Our Government has provided funding support from its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, and $250,000 from Arts NSW,' Mr Grant said. 'This is in addition to more than $400,000 funding from the Federal Government."

"As the Member for Dubbo, I'm delighted the city has been chosen to host ARTLANDS based on strong support from Dubbo City Council and its central location in NSW."

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Special Events Stuart Ayers congratulated Regional Arts NSW on providing such a high quality and diverse program for ARTLANDS 2016.

"With 1,000 delegates and festival-goers, ARTLANDS will provide a significant boost for Dubbo's local economy,' Mr Ayers said. 'It's a great example of how our State's thriving regional arts and cultural scene is a growing drawcard for tourism."

Featuring alongside the Conference, the ARTLANDS 2016 Festival will see a line up of works rarely seen together in regional NSW. Curated by festival director, Greg Pritchard, the program will include musicians Heath Cullen, Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen, Dave Mason and Brendan Gallagher, and Radical Son. Djon Mundine will curate a new exhibition of work by regional NSW Aboriginal artists, Old Land New Marks, and regional physical theatre companies, fLing and Lingua Franca will perform their latest works.

The regional city of Dubbo is located 600kms west of Sydney and its 40,000-plus residents are preparing to host 1,000 conference delegates and festival-goers, showcasing the city's taste and enthusiasm for the arts in all its forms.

The ARTLANDS DUBBO 2016 program highlights and tickets are available at artlands.com.au

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