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Peter Batey OAM to Open Bald Archy Exhibition

Founder and Director of the Bald Archy Prize, Peter Batey OAM, with "The Cardinal And His Abbott" by Tony Sowersby, which was awarded the 2005 Bald Archy Prize

Media Release 29 June 2009

Peter Batey OAM will visit West Wyalong this week to open the Bald Archy Exhibition. If there is anyone that understands this exhibition in all its glory, it is Mr. Batey!

Peter created the now notorious Bald Archy Prize, a comic portrait competition established to satirize similar art competitions. It has grown to be one of the leading, if eccentric, events on the Australian art calendar, achieving an international profile and touring to both regional and capital city venues.

Peter will be opening this highly anticipated national touring exhibition on Friday 3^rd of July at 5.30pm at the Masonic Hall, West Wyalong.  

Peter boasts many accomplishments throughout his varied career in the arts industry.  He has been a major influence on the development of Australian comedy and satire over the past 50 years, through his contribution to the creation of Dame Edna Everage as well as working with Reg Livermore in addition to directing some 130 professional productions of plays, from classical comedy and drama to modern Australian works, several of them world premieres. 

Peter was also a founding member of the Melbourne Theatre Company and has shared his wealth of knowledge in executive roles with South Australian Theatre Company, Victorian Arts Council, Perth Playhouse and Canberra Repertory.

To add to his diverse career, Peter is also one of the pioneers of contemporary Australian theatre having produced and directed numerous seasons of drama, comedy, opera and musicals in every Australian capital city and overseas.  He is also a noted arts administrator, playwright, set and lighting designer, festival director and publicist.

In 1999 he was awarded an OAM for services to the arts and the community.

"It is a great privilege to have Peter opening our exhibition.  I am sure that he will be delighted with the community engagement and spirit that this exhibition has generated" said Michele Carnegie Bland Shire Council's, Youth Development Officer.

Contact details
Youth Development Officer
Tel: 02 6972 2266
Fax: 02 6972 2145
council@blandshire.nsw.gov.au

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