Canberra’s arts community will be able to stay strong during COVID-19 with the ACT Government today announcing additional funding for nine ACT arts organisations that have been significantly impacted by the pandemic.
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the arts sector, with many organisations unable to hold events, hire out their venues or deliver programs. This has led to a significant drop in income and revenue.
The ACT Government will provide additional funding of $1.07 million to support organisations so they can continue to play an important role in our community in the long term.
ACT arts organisations to receive funding include:
- ACT Writers Centre ($10,032)
- Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres ($187,777)
- Ausdance ACT ($63,030)
- ArtSound CM ($35,000)
- Belconnen Arts Centre ($550,000)
- Canberra Potters Society ($80,690)
- M16 ArtSpace ($31,173)
- Tuggeranong Arts Centre ($54,105)
- Warehouse Circus ($64,765)
Minister for the Arts, Creative Industries and Cultural Events Gordon Ramsay said the funding would ensure these organisations stay viable.
“Canberra is lucky to have such a strong arts community that is supported by some wonderful arts organisations,” said Minister Ramsay.
“These organisations support our artists and give our community really great places to view art, watch performances and engage in arts programs. Without them, we wouldn’t have such a strong artistic community that extends across every region of the ACT.
“This support will ensure these organisations can continue to employ Canberrans, support our artists and remain an important part of the fabric of our community.”
The Belconnen Arts Centre, which has just been expanded as part of a major upgrade, will receive $550,000 in funding to support the recovery of the Centre from COVID-19, as well as the activation of the expanded facility. This forms part of the Government’s commitment to provide additional core funding for the increase in costs of managing the Centre to the end of 2021, in line with other arts organisations.
“The Belconnen Arts Centre will receive support to help it recover from COVID-19 and ensure its full potential can be realised. This funding will help with the recovery of the Canberra community through the delivery of programs including exhibitions and performances when restrictions in the ACT ease further,” said Minister Ramsay.
The ACT Government has also already provided over $350,000 of rent relief to a number of its head licensees. This includes Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres ($239,290), Belconnen Arts Centre ($4,840), The Street Theatre ($30,684), Canberra Glassworks ($54,301), Strathnairn ($21,273) and Watson ($6,750).
Other Government support for the arts sector during COVID-19 has included upgrades to arts facilities through the fast track program and the $500,000 Homefront grants to support Canberra artists. This is in addition to the regular Arts Activities Funding round that recently saw $320,000 delivered to support a range of local artists.
