ABC Chair Ita Buttrose confirmed the public broadcaster’s commitment to the arts at its inaugural Arts Summit in Sydney with key leaders of the Australian arts community.
In the first of a series of Arts Summits, Ms Buttrose said greater collaboration with Australian artists would benefit ABC audiences and provide much-needed support to the arts community.
She said the ABC would increase its support for the arts in 2021, including a new weekly arts program and new collaborative project, ABC Artsfest, which will provide opportunities for the arts community across television and digital platforms.
From 1 January, the ABC’s rebranded second channel ABC TV Plus will also showcase art and culture content in primetime, including documentaries and live performances.
“No one has been immune from the impact of COVID-19, especially the arts sector, which was one of the first sectors shut down during the pandemic,” Ms Buttrose said.
“It is now slowly reopening but, as we all know, audience capacity is still restricted and no one knows yet when the green light will be given for a return to full houses.
“The ABC will assist the Australian arts industry in whatever way we can to help it get back on its feet after this bleak year. We are inviting the sector to share their ideas on how we might work together to achieve this.”
Ms Buttrose said the ABC had led the way in supporting the Australian arts sector during COVID-19, including the $5 million Fresh Start Fund for innovative new arts content and launching the biggest-ever catalogue of arts performances on ABC iview of theatre, opera, ballet and classical music.
In 2021, the ABC will launch outstanding new Australian arts programs, such as Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra, Finding the Archibald, Going Country and an Australian books series.
“In 2021, ABC iview and ABC TV Plus will be the nation’s primary destinations for Australian arts and culture content,” Ms Buttrose said. “The ABC has helped build new audiences for the arts, bringing together Australians of all backgrounds to enjoy the magic of theatre and the pleasure of a musical show.”
ABC Head of Factual and Culture Jennifer Collins said the arts are a great vehicle for exploring and celebrating the truths of our society. “The ABC is committed to connecting more Australians with more of the arts, and in doing so enriching the lives of people around the country,” she said.
“We’re thrilled with our arts slate for 2021 and look forward to continuing to collaborate with the local arts industry to bring the best of our arts and culture to all Australians.”
