Arts industry gets $135 million boost as JobKeeper end looms
The Federal Government has announced $135 million in additional support for the arts and entertainment sector to help the industry bounce back from the economic scars of COVID-19.
$125 million will go towards a grants fund which supporting 230 projects and 90,000 jobs. The Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) fund allows arts businesses and organisations to compete for grant funding and assist with the costs of festivals, concerts, tours and events.
The charity Support Act will get $10 million across 2020-2021 to further fund crisis support relief for artists and other workers in the sector.
“This new funding comes at an important stage in the resurgence of Australia’s arts and entertainment sector,” said Arts Minister Paul Fletcher.
”The purpose of this RISE program is to get shows put on, bringing employment to performers, crews and front of house staff.”
The announcement of the rescue package comes after weeks of calls from the music and entertainment sectors to provide further support, especially as the JobKeeper wage subsidy winds down on 28 March.
The scheme’s conclusion is expected to result in up to 150,000 job losses.
The Government has already announced an $1.2 billion rescue package for the tourism and aviation sector, nearly 10 times bigger than the arts funding support announced today.
More to come.
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