Funding for NSW cultural institutions gets $16.1 million boost

The Rees Government will this year deliver arts funding of more than $285 million to ensure NSW remains Australia’s premier state for arts and culture.

NSW Premier and Minister for the Arts Nathan Rees said a total of $244.1million has been allocated in the NSW Budget for the State’s cultural institutions – a boost of $16.1 million on last year’s funding levels.

“NSW is home to some of the best cultural institutions in the country and indeed the world,” Mr Rees said.

“The Government is committed to enriching the artistic and cultural lives of all its citizens. It is absolutely vital that we cherish our cultural institutions and maintain them for the people of NSW.

“They are also huge drawcards for the many thousands of interstate and overseas tourists who flock to our state each year, boosting our economy and supporting local jobs.

“I am pleased to announce a further $5 million for Screen NSW’s (the NSW Film and Television Office) Production Investment Fund to bring additional film business to NSW, leveraging $70 million in investment with up to 1300 new positions for creative teams and crew.

“Our regional conservatoriums, which play a crucial role providing musical education and performance opportunities for school students in rural and remote NSW, are also to receive a boost with an additional $2.1 million for musical education, performances and touring.

“There will be an additional $300,000 per annum for the State’s regional galleries and a further $200,000 to supplement the work of the network of regional arts officers.

“In Western Sydney there’s an additional $510,000 per annum, with $110,000 to bring a major symphony each year to Parramatta Park, $100,000 for a Children’s Literature Centre in Blacktown and a further $300,000 to improve audience participation and opportunities for artists and performers.”

Major capital works funding in this year’s budget include:

• $3.4 million to the State Library of NSW to upgrade air-conditioning;
• $1.5 million to the State Library of NSW to continue its upgrading of information communication technology infrastructure;
• $2.5 million to the Powerhouse Museum for major building repairs in 2009-10, with a further $1.5 million budgeted for 2011-12; and
• $500,000 to the Historic Houses Trust of NSW for major maintenance works at Government House, Sydney.

Premier Rees said: “The people of NSW are fortunate to have seven world-class state cultural institutions.

“This funding will ensure they continue to be enjoyed by all citizens and visitors – now and in the future.”
“I am also pleased to announce capital funding of $1.9 million in 2009-10 for Wharf 4/5 at Walsh Bay to fund upgrading works and general pier maintenance.”

Mr Rees said the Wharf 4/5’s major tenant, the Sydney Theatre Company, will receive $2.1 million over three years to extend its successful ensemble program, by employing young and emerging artists in acting, directing, stage design, lighting and writing.

It will also allow the company to expand its outreach program to Western Sydney and work with theatre audiences.

This extra funding continues an existing successful funding arrangement which was due to expire in 2009-10.

The Premier announced that Arts NSW will receive $41.1 million for its Arts Funding Program. This includes:

• Annual funding of $3.5 million for the Museum of Contemporary Art.
• $34.3 million in funding for arts and cultural activities for communities across NSW.
• $3.3 million for the Sydney Festival.

Download media release here.

June 16, 2009 | www.budget.nsw.gov.au