UNEXPECTED CITY PROGRAM

Ms BETTISON (Ramsay) (14:36): My question is to the Minister Assisting the Minister for the Arts. Can the minister update the house on the recent release of arts funding through the Unexpected City program?

The Hon. C.C. FOX (Bright—Minister for Transport Services, Minister Assisting the Minister for the Arts) (14:37): I thank the member for Ramsay for her keen interest in the arts. I did, in fact, see her at a gallery opening on Sunday in Prospect, so it was good to see her there. Mr Speaker, six artistic projects will each receive grants from the state government to develop their ideas and connect the community with art as part of the Unexpected City project. Unexpected City is a one-off grant program that invited artists to share in $100,000 to create and present arts projects to enliven Adelaide's CBD.

The expressions of interest were really enthusiastic, and we had more than 70 applications from across the country, which further highlights that South Australia leads the nation with opportunities for artists across many and varied genres. The applications we received were an exciting representation of the South Australian art sector, and across the nation, with a mix of established and emerging professional artists, producers and event managers across all art forms, including digital arts, film, literature, visual arts, dance, theatre and music.

The six projects that were successful have been chosen for their unexpected connectivity, their ability to engage with the community and their artistic quality. The unique nature of this program has opened new ways of thinking for artists to develop art for our city. I would like to congratulate the successful recipients and wish them much success with their endeavours. Beginning this month and until December this year, these projects will come alive for all South Australians to enjoy, and I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to see these exciting new works across Adelaide.