Helen Macpherson Smith Trust

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Case Study: Victorian Opera

ProjectRegional Hubs Program

Amount$250,000

Date2014

ProgramPast Programs | Arts and Culture

TRUST OBJECTIVES PROJECT OBJECTIVES
This grant was approved under our previous grants policy (Jan 2014 – March 2017)
Rural and regional Victoria Develop five regional hubs and build the local capacity of each centre to create opera that reflects communities’ aspirations and lives.
Building organisational capacity Assist in developing regional choirs, musicians, teachers and arts administrators, and provide unique professional development opportunities.
Extending opportunity Extend regional skills by working alongside opera professionals in developing productions for the region by the region and providing an annual metropolitan showcase.
Collaboration and partnership Shires, performing arts centres, community choirs, teachers and schools across five major regional locations.

Funding gives voice to regional Victorian talent and productions

Victorian Opera (VO) Regional Hubs Program is the result of extensive consultation with regional communities, responding to their expressed needs and aspirations. Strong, long-term relationships with each regional centre will develop skills and regional capacity, encouraging the highly talented and creating civic pride in each region.

Image Opera singers working with a Year 12 student in Mildura. Reproduction courtesy Sunraysia Daily - Mildura

Snapshot

  • The Regional Hub Program is a multi-layered approach to artistic regional development which starts at the grass roots level with singing in schools, particularly where there may not be a formal music program.
  • Regional access to VO’s professional artists and staff who deliver professional development opportunities to community choirs.
  • Opera is being created for and with local communities, engaging people of all ages and backgrounds, overcoming the socio-economic barriers traditionally associated with this art form.
  • Programs and works are being specially curated and developed for the capabilities, resources and venue possibilities specific to each region.
  • VO’s involvement is continuous, planned and progressive across the organisation from the Artistic Director to music and education staff.
  • Regional choirs will join forces with their metropolitan peers to perform in an annual gala with a massed choir in Melbourne.

Website: victorianopera.com.au

“The potential of this project to enrich the lives of those involved should not be underestimated. VO's purpose is ‘to enable Victoria to sing together." Richard Mills AM, Artistic Director, Victoria Opera.