Art is different for everyone, especially kids

14 September 2009

The Perth International Arts Festival always has something for everyone but this year young people grabbed a big handful of Festival fun thanks to Rio Tinto's new partnership to support the Children and Young People's Program.

The "Festival Feeling" was in the air on a perfect first day of autumn when thousands of people attended the Perth Writers Festival Family Day, in the gardens of the University of Western Australia

A beautiful fairy on stilts, a comedian just for kids, freebies galore, drawing and illustration workshops, face painting and many of Australia's best children's authors reading favourite stories in person made this year's Family Day one to savour.
                    

'For Rio Tinto, the Perth International Arts Festival is a perfect example of our commitment to the arts, education and families," explained Sam Walsh, Chief Executive, Iron Ore.

"We are pleased to be working with the Perth Festival to develop an appreciation of the arts in younger Western Australians. By opening the doors to a variety of cultural experiences through discounted tickets, family friendly events, an expanded schools program and supporting productions aimed at younger audiences we hope the next generation have a strong appreciation of the importance of a cultural life".

Rio Tinto's three-year commitment to the Children and Young People's program supports the School Education Program, Family Events, and the Perth Writers Festival Family Day.

Perth Festival artistic director Shelagh Magadza said Rio Tinto's generous support helps the Festival build on the existing strengths of a program stream that expands and deepens our engagement with children, young people and families.

"One of the rich, new works we commissioned in 2009 was the special children's theatre adaptation of The Nargun and the Stars, which captivated and delighted its young audience," Ms Magadza said.

This year's Perth International Arts Festival saw 600 international and national artists join with 250 of West Australia's own to bring over 1018 performances to Perth. 

The Festival was enjoyed by record numbers of people and many of us - both young and old - are already waiting for the delivery of the 2010 Festival delights.