The state of Queensland has announced an AUD22.5m (€13.7m) Arts and Cultural Recovery Package. The money will help “the arts sector move past the economic impacts of COVID-19”.
The funding has been split as follows: AUD11.3m to offset revenue losses; AUD4.2m for boosting cultural tourism; AUD4.15m for supporting audience development; and AUD2.9m aimed at building partnerships between local councils, venues, artists, festivals and organisations.
That main chunk of money – for offsetting revenue losses – will be available for the following organisations: live music venues; performing arts organisations and festivals that are previous recipients of funding from Arts Queensland since 1 January 2018; Indigenous arts centres supported through Arts Queensland’s Backing Indigenous Arts Program; and infrastructure support for Arts Queensland funded small to medium arts organisations.
“This latest recovery package includes a raft of initiatives to strengthen the sector’s foundations for the future, to drive new creative work, employ artists and arts workers, retain our skilled and talented creatives,” said Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. “The funding will boost jobs through the creation of a pipeline of live and local music and other performing arts experiences, including a focus on our independent artists who have been particularly impacted during this time.
“Importantly it ensures the activation of our venues and helps the arts sector move past the economic impacts of COVID-19…Our arts, cultural and creative sector has shown ingenuity and hope, so we’re continuing to support them in finding new ways to connect and inspire us.”
Applications can be made from early July (dates vary depending on the fund). More details are at the Arts Queensland website.
