Federal Government allocates new emergency funding to leading arts organisations

The Sydney Theatre Company and Opera Australia are the latest recipients to share in more than $3 million under the Federal Government’s $35 million COVID-19 Arts Sustainability Fund, designed to support leading arts organisations hit hard by the pandemic.

This support is in addition to almost $25 million in operational funding that the Federal Government continues to provide to these two organisations annually in partnership with the state governments.

Confirming an investment of over $1 billion into the arts and creative sector in 2021/22, Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cites and the Arts, Paul Fletcher stated “this targeted financial assistance means the Sydney Theatre Company and Opera Australia can continue to employ hundreds of artists and art workers, present exceptional work to audiences across Australia, and rebuild from this period of severe disruption.

“More than $16 million has now been allocated under the Sustainability Fund, as part of our investment in supporting the employment of workers, enhancing community wellbeing and access to diverse cultural experiences, and rebuilding Australia's economy.”

The funding outcomes follow a thorough assessment process administered by the Office for the Arts, with the Australia Council and independent financial assessor, the Infrastructure and Project Financing Agency.

At risk organisations must be considered to have a good prospect of maintaining their viability - and have a clear plan to do so - if the funding is made available.

The Sustainability Fund is still open and accepting applications.

Image: Postponed from 2020, Opera Australia will be presenting Wagner's The Ring Cycle from 29th October to 20th November 2021. Credit: Opera Australia.