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Live Performance Australia has praised the government’s federal budget, which has included a "much-needed" funding boost for the sector’s creative and cultural training organisations.
Australia’s Federal Budget was revealed earlier this week, with A$115.2m (£61m/€71m/$77m) designated for the country’s eight national arts training organisations to help foster the next generation of creative talent.
The Australian Government, under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has further dedicated A$8.6m to support the live music industry, as it continues to navigate a challenging operating environment for artists, promoters and venues. This forms part of the ‘Revive Live’ initiative.
Funding has also been increased to A$5.2m for the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, to broaden impact and aid musicians in building their careers.
“Our training institutions, known as the ‘Arts 8’ play a vital role in developing the potential of our next generation of performers, creators, production and technical workers,” said Evelyn Richardson, chief executive of Live Performance Australia.
“A vibrant, diverse and successful Australian creative and cultural industry requires a workforce with the skills to take up current and emerging opportunities to create, produce and present work that engages and entertains audiences at home and globally.”
While LPA has welcomed the funding, the umbrella body for Australia’s live performance industry has further called on action to protect the sector.
“Public investment in the performing arts delivers overwhelming social, economic and cultural benefits for all Australians,” continued Richardson.
“As the Albanese Government looks to attract more business investment to Australia in key industries through its ‘Future Made in Australia’ initiative, we urge it to consider the opportunity to boost investment in our live theatre sector through a scheme of tax incentives to offset production costs.
“Australia’s live theatre makers and producers are competing with the US and UK for investment capital. A Live Theatre Tax Offset could support more Australian made theatre, including original works by Australian creators telling our stories, creating more jobs and export opportunities for hundreds of companies across Australia. Incentives for our screen and digital games industries have delivered significant benefits.”
Richardson concluded: “These incentives would be a real game changer, driving new investment in the creativity and capability of our live theatre sector on and off our stages and bringing more new works and Australian stories to audiences in theatres around the country.”
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