Resonate Magazine | Australian Music Centre

NSW Government has announced an $86 million funding boost to support the reopening of the arts and cultural sector after a long period of lockdowns.

'The arts and cultural sectors were among the hardest hit by the pandemic, with many organisations unable to rehearse, plan or perform', said NSW Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin. 'The arts are key to our economic recovery and critical for our wellbeing - uplifting and inspiring us in our times of need. I am proud the NSW Government is continuing to support the sector to help it get back on its feet.'

The $86 million will be delivered by Create NSW, with $50 million of the total going to the performing arts to assist in welcoming audiences back to theatres and other performance venues, and $25 million to stabilise established festivals, big and small. $5 million has been earmarked for the development of a film studio and theatre infrastructure strategy that will help secure international productions and 'turn Sydney into the Broadway of the Southern Hemisphere'. $5 million for 'Culture Up Late' program will extend the successful evening program across some of Sydney's museums and galleries, and $1 million will go to film festivals to support the delivery of local and international festivals across Sydney, Western Sydney and South Western Sydney in independent and commercial cinemas and outdoors.

The NSW Government has also established an Event Saver Fund that will provide support in the event major festivals and events are impacted by COVID-19 cancellations or postponements in 2022.

The latest $86 million funding for the arts and cultural sector is in addition to the $75 million funding for the performing arts and live music announced earlier this year, and the $50 million Rescue and Restart funding package announced in 2020.

More information about when the funding will be made available and how to apply is yet to be announced.

> See also: article on Create NSW website