Elise Archer,Minister for the Arts
The Tasmanian Government understands and appreciates the importance of the arts sector, and recognises that a productive cultural and creative economy provides both economic and social value, by enhancing our lifestyle and creating opportunities for Tasmanians.
That is why in the 2020-21 State Budget, our Government has included $4 million in new funding, to be provided to our cultural and creative sector over the next two years.
This includes $1 million over two years to support a brand new, focused program of Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD). These critical funds will support community projects to directly address social policy objectives.
In addition, the Government is allocating $2.5 million over two years for an Arts and Cultural Support fund. This includes $1 million for performers and artists to bounce back from COVID-19 hibernation, and $1.5 million to Tasmania’s arts and cultural sector to produce new work. This fund will provide for artists and arts organisations who have been unable to earn the income they had planned due to cancelled engagements and terminated contracts through the COVID-19 period, and to produce new work for new markets.
Our Government is a strong supporter of Tasmania’s Screen Industry and this is why we will provide an additional $500 000 over the next two years to the Screen Innovation Fund for Screen Tasmania to continue to invest in the production of strategically important film and television projects in Tasmania. This is in addition to all of Screen Tasmania’s usual funding programs.
This additional $4 million in funding comes on top of our Government’s initial Cultural and Creative Industries Stimulus package, announced in late March to support the sector through the early, uncertain days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Tasmanian Government has the plan to rebuild a stronger Tasmania and I am delighted that part of our recovery includes further strengthening our vibrant cultural and creative industries.
