Northern Territory Government Newsroom

Nine exciting new arts programs have been given the green light to enliven the Alice Springs CBD, as part of the Live Alice Mparntwe Arts program.

Round 2 of this program supports new and existing arts and creative events and activities that will begin in February 2018. Member for Braitling, Dale Wakefield, has announced the Round 2 recipients who have collectively been allocated $140,836 in funding.

“The nine program makers of Live Alice Mparntwe Arts will enrich and activate the Alice CBD.  They will provide a boost to local businesses and enhance the local and visitor experiences,” Ms Wakefield said.

“This is a further step in the Territory Labor Government’s plans to position Alice Springs as the inland capital of Australia by transforming the CBD and stimulating the local economy.

“The town will continue to come to life with music, dance performances, craft workshops, walking tours, Arrernte cultural talks and a series of classical music presentations.”

Member for Namatjira, Chansey Paech said the Live Alice Mparntwe Arts program showcases and celebrates local artistic talent and the thriving Alice Springs creative scene.

“Alice Springs is a town that is rich in cultural and artistic diversity, and filled with creative locals,” Mr Paech said.

“The Live Alice Mparntwe Arts program is a vehicle to support that talent and gives locals a chance to shine while also encouraging community participation.”

Round 1 recipient David Nixon’s StoryWall will continue to June 2018. StoryWall premiered on Australia Day with a screening of The Slim Dusty Movie. Local residents have embraced a program of films held monthly on the Uniting Church lawns.

Congratulations to the Round 2 successful recipients:

·         Apmere Angkentye-kenhe (A Place for Language) - a community-driven art and Arrernte language project that brings live language exchange to the Alice CBD.

·         King Marong African Drum and Dance Project - teaching traditional West African rhythms, songs, stories and simple dance moves.

·         Alice Sings - Pop Choir Alice Sings will run six open workshops in the Alice CBD.

·         Music to Centre - four lunch time music performances in the Uniting Church, Todd Mall featuring Claire Kilgariff (Flute) and Sally Westaway (Harp).

·         Creativity in the Mall - program of free arts and crafts activities for all ages and abilities. 

·         NT Travelling Film Festival - showcasing outstanding film, television and video productions from the NT screen industry.

·         Local Knowledge is a print map and walking tour of Alice Springs showcasing community stories connected to sites around the Alice CBD.

·         Classics in the Mall - series of live classical music performances including chamber music from Bach, Mozart, Schubert to Piazzolla, Carl Vine, Elena Kats-Chemin and Sculthorpe, featuring local musicians.

·         Arrente artists sharing our culture in our country - three well known Central Arrente artists: Pat Ansell Dodds, Carol and Amelia Turner offering free public demonstrations of stories and culture through painting to the visitors, locals and children of Central Australia.

Experienced local producer Milyika Scales will support the production of the Live Alice Mparntwe Arts Program.

For further information visit www.livealice.nt.gov.au and be sure to tag #liveALICE if you’re posting your event pics on social media.