State Government COVID-19 response $23.4 million for culture and the arts in Western Australia

Jul 8, 2020, 17:11 PM

The State Government has responded to the needs of the culture and the arts sector in Western Australia, providing $23.4 million in funding and support as part of COVID-19 responses.

The culture and the arts sector has organisations and artists that have really suffered great financial losses during this pandemic with activities and events cancelled due to COVID-19.

This support will enable organisations and individuals to continue their practice while delivering overall benefits to the community during the state of emergency and into recovery.

Arts organisations

$13 million from the Lotterywest COVID-19 $159 million relief fund.

Independent artists

$2.4 million U-15k (under $15,000) quick response program for individual artists or practitioners through the DLGSC — this includes $500,000 towards the Contemporary Music Fund.

Visual artists

$1.5 million through targeted acquisition from Aboriginal Art Centres and independent artists, and a State Art Collection archive, developed by the Art Gallery of Western Australia's board and the Art Gallery's Foundation.

Screen industry

$2.5 million Screen Industry Sustainability Package through Screenwest.

Rent relief for culture and the arts organisations

Over $3 million in rent relief in the form of waived rental payments for culture and the arts small businesses and not-for-profit groups in Government-owned buildings for six months through DLGSC.

Regional organisations and individuals

$1 million through the Regional Arts Resilience Grant Program, administered by Regional Arts WA, to support regionally based practicing artists, cultural practitioners and arts and cultural organisations.