The Morrison Government has announced a second round of grant funding under its $20 million Supporting Cinemas’ Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) Fund, for independent and regional cinemas.
Under the first round of grant funding, $10.335 million has been allocated to 198 independent cinemas around the country. Eligibility to apply for the first round of funding ceases on 24 December 2021.
Grants under the second round of funding will be available to eligible cinemas which can demonstrate that their box office revenue for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 September 2021, was more than 30 per cent below their box office revenue for the corresponding period in 2019.
All other eligibility requirements for the second round of funding will be the same as for the first round. Applications can be made after 24 December until 30 April 2022.
A total of $9 million of funding will be available for the second grant round.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cites and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said independent and regional cinemas play a vital role in many communities around Australia.
“Many independent and regional cinemas have endured months of lockdowns – and while trading conditions are now starting to return to normal, the legacy of these very difficult months means that cinemas are concerned about whether they can survive,” Minister Fletcher said.
“This second grant round under the SCREEN Fund is a tangible and targeted measure to support independent and regional cinemas.”
The Morrison Government is investing a record $1 billion into the arts and creative sector in 2021-22.
To apply for the Fund visit: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/covid-19-support/screen-fund.
