BEVERLEY Station Arts will be receiving $35,000 per annum for three years as part of a state government boost supporting regional art venues.

The funding will help regional theatres, civic centres, public galleries and other arts venues to expand their annual programming to better engage the local community and create opportunities for cultural tourism.

Beverley Station Arts president Jenny Broun said their funding would enable the association to bring touring artworks to Beverley.

“This current funding will enable us to work with Art on the Move, the organisation dedicated to touring visual art exhibitions throughout the regions, enabling deeper community connections for art and culture,” she said.

“We also intend to introduce more programs focused on community based mental health, incorporating a broad range of visual art workshops.

“Included in our upcoming program list will be youth based interactive multimedia workshops.”

The decommissioned Beverley railway station was restored and converted into the Beverley Station Arts and officially opened in 2006.

Regional Development Minister Don Punch said cultivating a successful hub for art in regional areas was significant and created opportunities for all.

“The benefits of a thriving arts sector for regional communities are felt by our local artists, audiences and economies,” he said.

“In a state as large and diverse as WA, we’re proud to be supporting a vibrant cultural landscape which offers something for everyone, no matter where you live.”

Ms Broun said their Platform Theatre was made possible through similar government funding and the hard work of community members and encouraged interested people to visit.

“One of the main strengths of the organisation is (our) ability to draw audiences from surrounding towns and further afield demonstrated by ticket sales of over 300 patrons attending the recent successful An Evening with Marina Prior,” she said.

“Take a drive to our gorgeous town on August 17 to the local Beverley Agriculture Show where you’ll find us at our meet and greet booth showcasing our upcoming program of events.”