Tasmanian Regional Arts group axed after 70 years over funding shortfall

Leading regional arts group Tasmanian Regional Arts (TRA) is to cease activities after 70 years of operations having failed to receive backing from the Federal Government.

The organisation, which provides cultural and insurance support for 1,300 members across Tasmania, has been unsuccessful in securing enough operational funding.

Two years ago, the organisation received $465,000 in Federal money for projects but this year it has been unable to secure $150,000 needed in operational funding from the Tasmanian Government.

As a result, several staff will lose their jobs.

Deputy Chairman Travis Tiddy said the organisation had supported the arts in every community across Tasmania, stating “it's left an imprint on so many Tasmanians.

"It's very clear that (Arts Tasmania) have a limited pool of funding to dish out in the Tasmanian Arts Sector.

"We have one full-time with the CEO and we have a number of part-time staff members.

"Those people have worked really hard over the last few years on the renewal of the organisation."

TRA Chairwoman Annette Downs said the group had been critical in linking and supporting regional artists and the decision had not been made lightly.

Downs added “this decision will impact upon many people who have supported and cherished the organisation over many years, including life members and staff.

"The TRA staff and state executive committee have left no stone unturned in trying to find a sustainable ongoing funding base for the organisation."

A review of the organisation in 2014 by Arts Tasmania and the Australia Council for the Arts resulted in moving it from Latrobe to Launceston with a renewed focus on a statewide service.

Downs said TRA was trying to ensure member services to regional and remote Tasmanians would be delivered by other groups.

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