Arena nears goal in fundraising campaign

CHILDREN and youth-focused theatre pioneer Arena Theatre Company’s latest fundraising effort comes to a close this Sunday 31 May, with its $50,000 target certainly in sight.

As a bonus, every dollar donated before then will be doubled by national arts funding body Creative Australia through its matched giving initiative, Plus1 – meaning an overall six-figure total is likely.

CEO Debra Allanson encouraged people to give as much or as little as they can.

“It’s tough times out there and we’re very conscious that a lot of people don’t have much opportunity to give,” she said.

“We encourage them to think about what they’d like their children or grandchildren or nieces or nephews to have access to by way of projects that help them become strong, resilient young people.

“If they are interested in the work that we do, which is directed towards that, then please consider giving something.”

As Allanson explained, a portion of the money raised will help stage the second incarnation of Arena’s flagship Creativerse Festival, which in its inaugural year attracted 1500 people, 25 per cent of whom traveled from out of town.

“We’re in the planning stages right now, so it’s helping us build that program and we’ll be announcing it in the next couple of months, so you’ll have to stay tuned,” she said.

“There’s a lot of work going on talking to different artists and lots of wonderful organisations in Bendigo who we want to partner with, like the art gallery and the library and the Golden Dragon Museum.”

She said a welcome byproduct of partnering with Creative Australia has been the promotion of Arena to a wider audience.

“Part of the reason we’re doing this is to provide another communication channel so our community can see what we’re doing and understand our work and us better,” she said.

“If that chimes with them, this gives them an opportunity to participate.”

Visit wearearena.org.au/support-arena