Arts sector centre stage on Budget night

The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to a better future for Australia’s creative talent.

The arts, entertainment and cultural sector is intrinsic to who we are as Australians and plays a vital role in our economy.

We know that the arts sector was amongst the hardest hit by the pandemic and while the industry is learning to live with COVID-19 it still faces significant challenges that threaten its viability.

That’s why – ahead of the launch of our landmark National Cultural Policy at the end of the year – we are delivering immediate measures following almost a decade of wilful neglect under the former government.

This will support the Australian arts and culture sector at this critical time, and includes:

  • Providing $5 million to NAISDA Dance College to support them to continue delivering vital vocational training in traditional and contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance to talented young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seeking careers in dance and arts.
  • Providing $5 million to the National Institute of Dramatic Art to support the ongoing delivery of its courses recognising the acute skills shortages in the arts and creative sectors.
  • Providing $2.4 million to Bundanon to support its expanded operations in the Shoalhaven region.
  • Providing $2.4 million over four years from 2022-23 to offset the impact of the Efficiency Dividend on national performing arts training organisations.
  • Delivering on the Government’s election commitment to transfer Creative Partnerships Australia’s functions and funding to the Australia Council, which will expand the Council’s remit to work more closely with philanthropists and philanthropic foundations, as well as the corporate and commercial sectors.

The Budget provides immediate support to artists and arts organisations to deliver high-quality programs to diverse audiences, to build new networks and partnerships, and to equip emerging talent with the skills to take their careers to the next level.

The Albanese Government is also investing in arts and culture through a broad range of portfolios, this includes:

  • Providing $80 million for the National Aboriginal Art Gallery in Alice Springs to establish a world-leading facility displaying Australia’s most significant First Nations artists.
  • Providing $50 million for Perth’s Aboriginal Cultural Centre to develop an institution showcasing Western Australia’s First Nations history and culture.
  • Providing $13 million to the Burnie Cultural Precinct in Tasmania as part of the Government’s support for regional arts and cultural institutions.
  • Funding the ABC to undertake a feasibility study into the expansion of Double J on radio, which will consider options to help great Aussie artists on Double J reach more ears, particularly in regional areas.

The 2022-23 Budget also includes a reallocation of funding announced by the Morrison Government for the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund, where decisions were made at the discretion of the Minister.

Future funding decisions for the sector will be set out in the new National Cultural Policy, which will be delivered before the end of the year and provide the foundation for a better future for our creatives and for every Australian.

For more information, visit: www.arts.gov.au/culturalpolicy