Evan’s Corner: Federal Government Arts Grants
Written by: Evan Lowenstein
As a result of the pandemic and in response to industry concerns about a downturn in the arts, especially in the performing arts sector, the Federal Government announced a $250m arts rescue package and announced it with great fanfare. It was designed to specifically assist the arts and the package was structured in four streams and included:- $75 million of capital funding to help production and event businesses put on new festivals, concerts, (RISE). https://arts.smartygrants.com.au/RISEProgram
- $90 million in ‘show starter’ concessional loans to fund new productions and events that stimulate job creation and economic activity,
- $35 million in direct financial assistance to support Commonwealth-funded arts organisations to get them up and working; https://arts.smartygrants.com.au/CASF
- $50 million fund to assist local screen production, both film and television.
Creative Economy Taskforce: Arts Advisory Group
The Government has established the Creative Economy Taskforce to assist in the implementation of the Government’s $250 million JobMaker plan for the creative economy and provide strategic guidance to build the sector as Australia looks to emerge from COVID-19. Minister for Communications, Paul Fletcher MP, said the Taskforce will work in partnership with Government and the Australia Council to provide strategic guidance on:- implementing the JobMaker plan for the creative economy;
- practical issues, such as managing physical distancing and travel;
- articulating the economic and job creation contribution of the creative economy; and
- the role of the creative economy in Australia’s recovery from COVID-19.
“The Creative Economy Taskforce will play a critical role supporting the return of Australia’s vibrant, much loved arts scene following the impacts of COVID-19,” Minister Fletcher said.