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A word from the Minister
Welcome to the first edition of Artbeat for 2001.
Centenary of Federation celebrations are taking place all around Australia as communities come together to take pride in our past achievements and look with confidence to the future.
Celebrations during 2001 will engage our Indigenous and multicultural communities, our sporting heroes, our youth, our cities and our bush.
Crucial to the celebrations is the involvement of all communities. The Federal Government is keen that every Australian, no matter where they live, feels a part of this year, and that commemorations evoke a sense of excitement and community pride.
Many events reflect Australia's myriad of interests and talents and our collective imagination. Countless events are focused on the arts through music and theatre, and through community art galleries and museums portraying Australia's journey towards Federation.
The Federal Government has provided $60 million towards the Centenary of Federation celebrations to support events and projects at all levels-nationally, statewide, regionally and at the community level.
The Federal Government has also provided a further $1 billion through the Federation Fund for 1 100 projects across Australia. One fine example of a major project is the National Museum of Australia, opened in Canberra this month, which showcases the development of our nation and will provide new pathways to understanding what makes us Australian.
Just as we look to the past in 2001, Australians must also look to those who will shape their future-our youth.
The Youth Envoys Program will see 100 youth ambassadors take part in a busy calendar of events, including four key events in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Alice Springs. Ambassadors for the Centenary of Federation, they will help encourage participation in the celebrations within their community. The Envoys will keep a record of their experiences that will eventually reside at the National Archives.
The finale for 2001 will be Peoplescape-A Federation Celebration. It will be held in the national capital on 25 November 2001, and will herald the beginning of Australia's next hundred years of nationhood.
I encourage all Australians to become involved in events during the year and to take great pride in the achievements of our nation over the past century.
Peter McGauran
Minister for the Arts and the Centenary of Federation