27 March 2020

Elise Archer, Minister for Arts

Supporting our cultural and creative industries

The Tasmanian Government is continuing to supporting our cultural and creative industries through the difficulties faced as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Restrictions on social gatherings mean that most work in the arts and events sectors have ceased.

In addition, almost all of Tasmania’s arts venues have closed, including iconic public assets such as TMAG, QVMAG and the Theatre Royal.

As part of our Government’s second stimulus package, we will deliver additional funding of $1.5 million and introduce new operational measures of more than $2 million to support the individuals and organisations leading Tasmania’s renowned cultural sector.

This package of funding is designed to support our artists, screen practitioners and organisations who have had projects cancelled by providing targeted funds available in the short term including:

• $500,000 to support Tasmanian artists to work with Tasmanian screen professionals to make content for digital distribution and promotion;
• $250,000 to support contemporary musicians to record music and music videos for digital distribution and promotion;
• $250,000 of additional screen development funding, to be largely delivered through Screen Tasmania’s Project Development Program;
• one year rollover for arts organisations which have contracts in receipt of single year or final year funding through Arts Tasmania’s Organisations Program (worth more than $1.6 million);
• in addition, a further $500,000 in competitive funding will be provided for arts organisations to support additional employment and cultural activity;
• immediate payment of final instalment of grants to improve cash flow to Arts Tasmania’s individuals and organisations (worth over $349,000);
• temporary suspension of repayments of current Arts Tasmania low-interest loans and loans through the COLLECT Art Purchase Scheme;
• an increase in the maximum amount delivered to each project through Screen Tasmania’s Project Development Program, and an increase (from 70% to 90%) of the proportion of funding delivered on the commencement of the activity.

The cultural and creative industries are a vital part of our way of life in Tasmania, contributing around $179 million a year to our economy and employing over 5,000 Tasmanians.

A small business emergency supports grants program of $20 million will be established for initial emergency grant payments of $2,500 to business in the seafood, tourism, hospitality, retail, arts and entertainment, and health and hospitality sectors suffering financial hardship.

The Tasmanian Government is committed to preserving these industries during these difficult times and enhancing them into the future.

For advice on eligibility or for assistance with your application, please call 03 6165 6666 or email grants@arts.tas.gov.au

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