Released 09/11/2022
The ACT Government has awarded over $9 million in annual arts funding to support a network of leading Canberra arts and cultural organisations and arts centres through the ACT Arts Organisation Investment Program.
Minister for the Arts Tara Cheyne congratulated the twenty-nine successful applicants.
“Applications to the Arts Organisation Investment Program were highly competitive and showed the capacity and ambition of our vibrant arts sector,” Minister Cheyne said.
“Significant increased funding for the Arts Organisation Investment Program, committed through the 2022-23 Budget, provides an opportunity for a reset of the ACT Government’s support to the arts sector for the first time in many years.”
“We are increasing funding for eight organisations that will manage our important arts centres across Canberra. We are also providing multi-year funding that continues our support for a diverse range of arts organisations and practices, from Rebus Theatre to M16, Australian Dance Party to ACT Writers, and Girls Rock to Megalo Access Arts.”
“In responding to sector feedback, we opened funding to new entrants. Through this process we are providing new multi-year funding to three organisations: Contour 556 (Canberra Art Biennial), Luminescence Chamber Singers, and The Stellar Company. We look forward to seeing how these organisations further enhance the arts and cultural landscape with the certainty that this funding provides.”
The new ACT Arts Organisation Investment Program was been informed through extensive consultation with the arts sector since 2018, and including as part of the process for the development of Canberra: Australia’s Arts Capital – Arts, Culture and Creative Policy 2022–2026. Applications were assessed by artsACT and industry experts.
Funding will enable organisations to support and develop the arts through a wide range of programs, services, expertise and infrastructure. These organisations provide sector development, professional pathways for artists and arts workers, support a diversity of activity and provide important access and engagement opportunities for the whole community.
For more information go to www.arts.act.gov.au/funding/current-funding-recipients.
Quote attributable to Liz Lea, Director, The Stellar Company:
“The Stellar Company is thrilled to have received Program Funding as an Emerging Organisation. We are particularly honoured given the rich tapestry of arts organisations based here in the ACT. This funding will provide the foundations from which we can continue to develop our suite of programs which connect with people of all backgrounds ages and abilities. The support speaks to the commitment the ACT Government has towards nurturing a more accessible and inclusive society through the presentation of quality community arts offerings.”
Quote attributable to Elizabeth Rogers, Chief Executive Officer, Canberra Glassworks:
“Canberra Glassworks welcomes the increase in funding and the security of a five-year commitment from the ACT Government. This announcement provides a firm foundation that will assist us to deliver the ambitious objectives of the new Arts, Culture and Creative Policy and to contribute to the ambition of making Canberra Australia’s Arts Capital.”
- Statement ends -
Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases