Page 1583 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 8 May 2018
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MR RAMSAY: I thank Ms Orr for her question. The Canberra arts sector is certainly strong and vibrant and an important cultural and economic contributor to our wonderful city. The ACT government has committed to implementing a new arts funding plan, which will present a reinvigorated model of funding and support.
A key part of that new approach to arts funding is to significantly restructure how funding is provided to individual artists, groups and arts organisations for self-determined projects that would have previously been funded through project and out-of-round funding.
What will now be called the arts activities fund will increase flexibility and will be more responsive to the needs of artists, groups and arts organisations, and will support an increased range of activities, including artform-based projects, mentorships, residencies, professional and skills development, and opportunities for the community to actively engage in the arts.
Arts activities funding will have two streams for all projects. Funding of up to $5,000 will be available on a rolling basis throughout the year. Funding of up to $50,000 will be available in two rounds per year, allowing artists and arts organisations to undertake larger projects.
All processes around grants will be streamlined and consistent, and there will be a comprehensive handbook, information sessions and one-on-one appointments to assist artists to make the best application they can.
As the government has previously committed, a minimum of $750,000 is available each year for arts activities funding. We remain committed to the transparency of announcing the size of the funding pool each round. In fact, for 2018-19, we have $775,000 available. The first round for both funding categories will open on 1 June this year.
MS ORR: Can the minister please outline what the consultation process has been to arrive at the new arts funding approach?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Ms Orr for the supplementary question. The ACTÂ government is committed to getting funding for artists and organisations right, which has meant taking the time to consider all the options. Extensive consultations with the arts community have allowed us to hear what artists really need in terms of how funding is made available and what their ambitions are for the ACT arts sector.
Artists have told us that they need flexible and responsive funding programs with clearly explained, transparent and consistent processes. They are seeking professional development opportunities and career pathway options. They value strong communication with government and they seek clear recognition and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures.
The next area that we will be consulting on will be corresponding changes to arts organisations funding. Funding for organisations is more complicated, which is why
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