Supporting Canberra’s vibrant arts and cultural sector

The 2018 Budget invests in Canberra’s thriving arts community – from our grassroots creators to internationally renowned artists. We will deliver new funding to upgrade and strengthen local arts facilities, as well as more investment to increase the engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage in Canberra’s cultural life.

Better arts and cultural facilities

• $1.5 million for upgrades to the Canberra Theatre Centre to enhance safety and accessibility for patrons
• $1.2 million for early scoping and design on a new Canberra Theatre Complex which can host a larger range of local, national and international events
• $785,000 for conservation works and improvements to Lanyon Homestead, Calthorpes’ House and Mugga Mugga
• $700,000 to support innovative approaches to exhibitions at the Belconnen Arts Centre during the development of Stage 2 of the Centre, building on our $15 million investment in its expansion through last year’s Budget
• $350,000 to upgrade the gallery and conservation areas at the Canberra Museum and Gallery
• $250,000 to improve government-owned arts facilities across Canberra through the development of a specialist asset replacement scheme and design of the Watson Arts Centre kiln shed.

More support for Canberra’s creators

The 2018 Budget will deliver more opportunities for Canberra artists to develop their talents and grow our investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures. This includes:

• $800,000 to make the Reconciliation in the Park festival an annual event which will bring Canberrans together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage on the Reconciliation Day public holiday
• $567,000 over four years for a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Officer to improve engagement with communities, arts and cultures
• $145,000 to increase training opportunities within Canberra’s stage and theatre industry by delivering a new Certificate III in Live Production and Services through a partnership between the Canberra Theatre Centre and the Canberra Institute of Technology.

This year the ACT Government will also establish a Screen Industry Development Fund to be administered by the ACT Screen Industry Association. The Fund will invest in commercial screen productions undertaken in Canberra and help our local film industry continue to grow by attracting more major projects.

Media contact: Alexandra Craig     0466 024 520     alexandra.craig@act.gov.au