Released 28/07/2022 - Joint media release
The ACT Government is investing in our arts and cultural sector so it continues to thrive.
The revitalisation of the Canberra Theatre Centre and Civic Square will be a major focus of the 2022-23 ACT Budget, with $28.44 million being invested to develop the detailed design and undertake extensive stakeholder and community consultation for the expanded Canberra Theatre Centre including a new major theatre.
A further $2.39 million will be invested to commence essential workplace health and safety upgrades and to provide the required resourcing to support the expansion and redevelopment of the Canberra Theatre Centre.
In addition, the ACT Government will invest $7.9 million to undergo major heritage restorations and critical building upgrades at Gorman House Arts Centre in time for the site’s centenary in 2024.
As part of this significant funding, the ACT Government will develop a strategic framework for the future management of ACT Government arts infrastructure, including an independent strategic infrastructure review and condition report, to inform future investment.
This investment in Gorman House is intended to enhance accessibility, safety and energy efficiency and deliver major heritage restorations to this much-loved centre.
Lanyon Homestead will also undergo revitalisation and safety works, with the former Nolan Gallery to be converted into administration space, providing a modern, safe, and comfortable workspace for ACT Historic Places staff, while respecting the unique heritage values of the precinct.
Work will also be undertaken to remove and replace trees nearing the end of their lifespan, helping to enhance the visitor experience and preserve the heritage values of the Lanyon landscape.
Further support will be provided through a boost in funding to leading arts organisations. Funding for arts organisations will increase by around 10 per cent, providing a total of over $7.9 million per year to Canberra’s leading arts organisations.
This funding boost has been announced as part of the new ACT Arts, Culture and Creative Policy and Arts Organisation Investment Program, and will support the ambition for Canberra to be recognised as Australia’s arts capital.
This enhanced funding and renewed policy will enable arts organisations to foster a culture of innovation and creativity and strongly contribute to creating professional pathways and creative experiences for Canberrans at all levels.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister, Andrew Barr:
These important investments will preserve and enhance our arts and cultural heritage and create jobs as we progress towards our goal of 250,000 jobs across the ACT Economy by 2025.
The construction of a major new theatre for Canberra is an important next step in the evolution of arts and culture in our city. It will enable Canberrans’ creative engagement to thrive for generations to come, and make an important contribution to the live performance culture of the nation.
This Budget reaffirms the importance of the arts and cultural sector, and our commitment to revitalising the city centre through the Canberra Theatre Centre’s redevelopment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Arts Tara Cheyne:
Investment in arts infrastructure at Lanyon Homestead and Gorman House Arts Centre is critical to ensuring our creatives and cultural audiences are supported by fit-for-purpose facilities and venues in the ACT.
Boosting funding for arts organisations recognises the important role our arts organisations play in contributing to the vibrancy of our city. It will also provide an opportunity for new arts organisation entrants that are meeting community needs to apply to be funded for the first time in many years.
These important investments will build on the Statement of Ambition for the Arts, helping to position Canberra as Australia’s arts capital.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases