Funding boost for the arts

The Tasmanian Government has announced the successful applicants for this year’s Arts Organisation funding program, while a new program strengthens and builds the capacity of Tasmania’s arts and cultural sector.

Minister for the Arts and Heritage, Madeleine Ogilvie, congratulated the recipients of the $1.3 million annual funding round, while announcing a new $600,000 Strategic Initiatives and Service Organisations Program.

“We know the economic significance and cultural value of Tasmania’s arts industry, and it is important we invest in key organisations to connect with and inspire audiences and deliver services,” Minister Ogilvie said.

“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future delivers creative sector opportunities around the State, and this investment in 10 organisations will support paid employment and professional development opportunities for over 365 artists and arts workers.”

Supported organisations for the current round include:

• Van Diemen’s Band, which will receive $160,000 for delivery of its 2025 program;
• Mudlark Theatre in Launceston, which will receive $200,000 towards the delivery of a contemporary Tasmanian theatre program;
• Hobart-based youth dance organisation, DRILL Performance Company, which will receive $100,000 to create socially relevant dance performances for young people; and
• arts and social change organisation, Big hART, on the North West Coast.

Minister Ogilvie also launched the new Strategic Initiatives and Service Organisations Program (SISOP), which will provide a total of $600,000 to local organisations.

“SISOP will boost Tasmania’s arts community through music, regional arts and theatre,” Minister Ogilvie said.

“This funding will increase the sector’s capacity to respond to increasing costs while also bolstering opportunities for Tasmanian artists and arts workers.

“Funding will also be available to support the delivery of a Hobart Readers and Writers Festival in 2026.

“These new funds will support four organisations to provide a range of crucial services including sector advocacy, engaging with national initiatives and bodies, and opportunities to support sustainable arts careers to benefit the Tasmanian sector.”

Applications for the Strategic Initiatives and Service Organisations Program are now open.

The guidelines for this program and the full list of funding recipients of the Arts organisations – annual program is available on Arts Tasmania’s website at www.arts.tas.gov.au