Arts sector in Western Australia set to RISE

Eight West Australian arts projects will share in nearly $5 million in funding from the first batch of the Morrison Government’s Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.

Grants up to $1.5 million will begin to flow to arts and entertainment sector organisations in Western Australia immediately, supporting them to restart, re-imagine or create new cultural and creative activities.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the grants were an important step in supporting the future of Western Australia’s creative and cultural sector.

“Western Australia’s creative and cultural organisations provide significant employment and economic benefits, while at the same time supporting the presentation of unique Australian stories,” Minister Fletcher said.

“Nearly $5 million in funding will flow to eight projects across the state, which will support the long-term sustainability of the sector, creating nearly 1000 job opportunities, along with flow-on benefits in the tourism, hospitality, transport and freight sectors.”

One of the largest grant recipients in Western Australia was The Last Great Hunt, receiving more than $1.5 million in funding.

“I am pleased to support The Last Great Hunt in their latest project, which will offer diverse and local creators with a series of creative and performance opportunities to express their talent,” Minister Fletcher said.

“These grants will provide local performers with the opportunity to work alongside internationally renowned creators and innovators, and to give them the chance to inspire audiences across Western Australia.”

The $75 million RISE program was announced as part of the Government’s $250 million Creative Economy Support Package to help restart activities such as festivals, concerts, tours and events once it is safe to do so. It is anticipated the Fund will create 44,000 jobs across Australia.