Federal Government releases $40 million in funds for 82 leading organisations

The Federal Government has today announced that $40 million will be shared by 82 leading organisations across the country, under the fourth batch of grants from the $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.

Key beneficiaries of the funding include the Byron Bay Bluesfest, which will receive $2.4 million; Ash Sounds Pty Ltd’s Falls Music and Arts Festival 2021/22, which will receive $1.475 million; the Adelaide Fringe 2022 and WOMADelaide 2022, which will receive $1 million and $1.2 million respectively; the Fremantle Biennale’ First Lights - $965,055 and Live Nation Australasia  which will receive $1,092,760 for its planned ‘national anniversary tour’.

Having been widely criticised for delays in allocating RISE funds (the program have been announced 13 months ago), Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher advised “demand for RISE funding has been significant since it opened last year. The latest funding will be allocated immediately to create more than 56,000 employment opportunities across the country.

“RISE has been critical in supporting Australia’s live performance venues and events during an unprecedented time of widespread disruption from the pandemic.”

Creative Economy Taskforce Chair and Museum of Contemporary Art Director, Liz Ann Macgregor, said the funding is a crucial lifeline for the sector to continue delivering events, adding “RISE is rebuilding confidence and assisting arts and entertainment businesses to provide audiences with cultural and creative experiences nationwide. The strong demand for the program is indicative of the importance of this investment.

“The funding is also invaluable for the broader economy, generating employment and economic activity for other industries such as hospitality and tourism.”

Click here for more information on the RISE Fund.

Click here for details of the Batch Four RISE recipients.

Image: Bluesfest, which will receive $2.4 million, from the latest round of RISE allocations.