Autralian government adds an extra A$35 million to support creators and art companies

By Emmanuel Legrand

The Australian Government has pledged to provide an extra A$35 in funding to two proven Covid-19 support measures for arts workers and arts companies.

  An additional budget allocation of A$20m will go to Support Act while an additional $15m will go to the Sustainability Fund, bringing its total funding to A$50m. Through Support Act  musicians, touring crew and workers in the music industry can receive up to A$2,700 in grants.

  The government said this additional funding "will enable Support Act to broaden beyond its current support of the music sector: it will now offer support to artists, creatives, production and technical crew across the arts sector." 

Help arts organisations continue to operate

  To the start of August, Support Act had provided 4,506 grants totalling $10.94m. They have also supported the sector through more than 1,700 counselling hours through the Wellbeing Helpline and provided other mental health support programs to industry.

  The extra funding for the Sustainability Fund will help support Australian arts organisations "to continue operating during this period of severe disruption." To date, the Sustainability Fund has delivered support to ten leading arts organisations including Opera Australia, the Queensland Ballet and NIDA, to continue their activities and provide a pathway to their ongoing viability. 

  Paul Fletcher (pictured, above), the Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts said this funding comes during a particularly difficult period for the sector. “The challenges faced by those in the arts and entertainment sector are affecting the mental health of many in the industry. That’s why charities like Support Act are crucial at this time,” said Fletcher. 

Respond to the needs of artists and crew

  He added: “This latest commitment brings our total funding provided to Support Act to $40 million, to allow them to respond quickly and effectively to the continuing needs of live performance artists, crew and music workers including sound and lighting technicians, managers, booking agents, promoters, venue workers and roadies still affected by Covid-19.”  

  With this additional budget allocation, the Creative Economy Covid support package has increased to A$475m, from an original A$250m in 2020.