Tasmania's Marion Bay Falls Festival 'saved' by philanthropist
The long-running Falls Music & Arts Festival, held in Marion Bay, Tasmania, and Lorne, Victoria, today announced a new major sponsorship by philanthropist Graeme Wood AM.
One of Australia’s premier cultural events, The Falls Music & Arts Festival delivers a world class line-up of around 100 renowned and emerging performing artists to regional Tasmania and Victoria each year. The festival has played a significant role in fostering the artistic community in many ways, and in Tasmania, 27 local performance groups were included in the 2011 music & arts program.
Each festival attracts 40-50% of attendees from interstate. In 2011, the festival generated more tourism than any other single event in Tasmania with some 7,742 visitors travelling from interstate to enjoy 3 days of music, performance and film in Marion Bay’s idyllic natural setting. Staying an average of 9.23 nights, these visitors contributed to the $31.45m in economic benefit generated by the 2011 Tasmanian event.
Graeme Wood said, “The Falls Music and Arts Festival is a case study of the tangible economic impact that creative events, and cultural and ecotourism, can have for the Tasmanian economy. As a philanthropist and businessman, this inspirational combination of creative endeavour and sustainable economic return is something I’m very keen to support.”
Founder of The Falls Music & Arts Festival Simon Daly said, “I feel honoured to be working with a great team and amazing supporters to deliver these festivals year in year out, but particularly in this milestone year as we reach our 10th birthday celebration in Marion Bay and Lorne’s 20th.”
One of Australia’s premier cultural events, The Falls Music & Arts Festival delivers a world class line-up of around 100 renowned and emerging performing artists to regional Tasmania and Victoria each year. The festival has played a significant role in fostering the artistic community in many ways, and in Tasmania, 27 local performance groups were included in the 2011 music & arts program.
Each festival attracts 40-50% of attendees from interstate. In 2011, the festival generated more tourism than any other single event in Tasmania with some 7,742 visitors travelling from interstate to enjoy 3 days of music, performance and film in Marion Bay’s idyllic natural setting. Staying an average of 9.23 nights, these visitors contributed to the $31.45m in economic benefit generated by the 2011 Tasmanian event.
Graeme Wood said, “The Falls Music and Arts Festival is a case study of the tangible economic impact that creative events, and cultural and ecotourism, can have for the Tasmanian economy. As a philanthropist and businessman, this inspirational combination of creative endeavour and sustainable economic return is something I’m very keen to support.”
Founder of The Falls Music & Arts Festival Simon Daly said, “I feel honoured to be working with a great team and amazing supporters to deliver these festivals year in year out, but particularly in this milestone year as we reach our 10th birthday celebration in Marion Bay and Lorne’s 20th.”
“I’ve seen the difference the festivals have made to their communities, not just in economic terms, but just as importantly, the social and cultural impact, particularly in Tasmania. We created the festival in Marion Bay for Tasmanians, all Tasmanians. We’ve consciously made it the best value and most accessible festival in Australia and it’s rewarding to see such a broad mix of people, of all ages, connecting and having a great time together.”
“Major events have huge budgets which is why they’re more commonly staged in larger markets. Tasmania is incredibly fortunate to have people like Graeme who understand the importance of supporting arts and cultural projects that are important to our community”
Mr Wood has a track record of philanthropic commitment to the arts. He founded Artology, a not for profit dedicated to developing creativity in young people. Artology’s flagship program is WotOpera, which unlocks high school students’ creativity by providing them the opportunity to develop and perform their own mini opera, while boosting academic performance and creating pathways into higher education. His other philanthropic involvements in the arts include the Fresh Ink young playwrights’ program at the Australian Theatre for Young People and the Red Room poetry initiative.
“Major events have huge budgets which is why they’re more commonly staged in larger markets. Tasmania is incredibly fortunate to have people like Graeme who understand the importance of supporting arts and cultural projects that are important to our community”
Mr Wood has a track record of philanthropic commitment to the arts. He founded Artology, a not for profit dedicated to developing creativity in young people. Artology’s flagship program is WotOpera, which unlocks high school students’ creativity by providing them the opportunity to develop and perform their own mini opera, while boosting academic performance and creating pathways into higher education. His other philanthropic involvements in the arts include the Fresh Ink young playwrights’ program at the Australian Theatre for Young People and the Red Room poetry initiative.