Hey supporters of Comedy in WA,

Just a March update for you all (we will keep these to a minimum to avoid spamming your inbox lol). But because some people are contributing money to boost this campaign on change.org - we feel its important to keep you all updated.

1.) We met up with the CEO of WAM (WA music) to get some guidance as the WA music Industry has been successful in securing State Government funding. WAM were extremely supportive of our cause and agreed that the WA Comedy Industry is worthy of State Government funding.

2.) We reached out to Perth Festival and asked them why they don't really program Comedy, and they replied that they were open to a proposal to include more comedy in the future. FYI: this does not guarantee anything, but at least we asked the question and they responded to our query.

3.) We reached out to the WA Performing Arts Awards (again) and asked them why they do not have an awards category for Comedy. They responded that they were open to discussing the inclusion of a comedy category in the future. An additional positive point which we cannot take credit for, but its a WIN for our industry. Janelle Koenig and Tegan Mulvaney will be hosting the WA Performing Arts Awards (both performers involved in the WA Comedy scene over many years). 

4.) We have contacted the new WA Minister for Creative Industries, Simone McGurk, and requested a meeting to discuss getting proper support for the WA Comedy Industry. Essentially, she is the State Government's elected member in the cabinet responsible for overseeing the arts. The response will give us a strong indication of the State Government's willingness to support comedy in WA.

5.) We have contacted the Arts & Culture Trust, the state government organisation that manages venues such as Heath Ledger Theatre, Subiaco Arts Centre, and Albany Entertainment Centre, to discuss how we can make these venues more affordable for WA comedy producers and WA comedians (particularly because we are not funded like other arts genres who can use funding to more easily hire these spaces without risk).

Thank you for everyone's continued support of Comedy in WA. Change takes time, especially in Western Australia!!! So we will keep pushing and see what WINS we can get along the way.

If you can share the petition link on your Facebook wall, it would be HUGELY appreciated!