The Federal Government is offering $5.5 million (approx. US$3.95 million) in support of leading arts tours, including music, dance, theatre, and circus, as part of the Australia Council’s Playing Australia touring program. In a media release on Tuesday, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the funding would back 16 creative projects to engage regional and remote audiences across Australia. “Artists and arts workers in regional and remote places use art and culture to build strong communities, generate jobs and inspire audiences, which is why this $5.5 million will drive economic recovery and arts development,” Minister Fletcher said. This comes after the Australian entertainment industry was brought to its knees during 2020 and 21, with lockdowns, tour cancellations, venue closures, and strict event requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Australia Council CEO, Adrian Collette AM, said this investment means that more audiences have …