100 DAYS OF UNCERTAINTY FOR THE ARTS

MEDIA RELEASE

Monday 29 August 2022

100 DAYS OF UNCERTAINTY FOR THE ARTS

Labor’s first 100 days of government has left our arts and entertainment sector facing the very real prospect of a $20 million cut to vital support designed to help it recover from the pandemic, Shadow Minister for the Arts, Paul Fletcher said today.

“Since the election Minister for the Arts Tony Burke has repeatedly failed to confirm $20 million in funding from the last round of the former Coalition Government’s Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) program,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The RISE fund helped to create over 213,000 job opportunities across Australia by assisting the arts and entertainment sector re-establish itself post-pandemic,” he said.

“Competitive RISE grants to arts businesses and organisations across Australia went towards the cost of putting on activities like festivals, concerts, tours, productions and events.

“In recognising arts and entertainment as one of our hardest hit sectors during the pandemic, the Coalition Government extended the RISE program as part of the 2022-23 Budget.

“Minister Burke’s refusal to resume the grants round over the past 100 days, despite it being ready to go, has real consequences for our arts and entertainment sector: it means lost opportunities to put on shows, have performances and get back on stage.

“Minister Burke has been running around the country to discuss a culture policy- but has failed to outline funding and to properly explain how it will create jobs and assist the sector.

“Minister Burke needs to resolve this uncertainty and commit to put this already budgeted $20 million to work.” Mr Fletcher said.

ENDS