ACT election: Greens promise $19m to arts, more music events

Image: Canberra duo Peking Duk

In the final run up to the ACT elections on Saturday October 15, the Greens have pledged $19 million to the arts sector.

A plan calls for $100,000 to be allocated to set up entertainment precincts through Canberra.

It will also provide $1.75 million for a curator to specifically negotiate with building owners to provide affordable arts and music spaces, and come up with entertainment events in Canberra, especially during nighttime.

The Greens say they will promote Canberra as an entertainment destination by providing an extra $300,000 so Canberra acts can showcase in the ACT and around Australia, introduce a local quota for artists on major festivals, and provide seed funding to new music and arts festivals.

$500,000 a year will also be put aside to find new alcohol-free entertainment during nighttime.

Acknowledging that musicians who choose to perform at night away from licenced venues “struggle to cover their set-up, transport or marketing costs”, $150,000 will be spent on an “entertainment diversity micro-grants fund” to help artists and community groups hold events where alcohol is not served, and with grants of up to $2,000 to musicians to cover transport and marketing.

$15 million will be allocated to complete Stage 2 of the Belconnen Arts Centre to add larger multi-purpose space and rehearsal rooms, and a 400-seat auditorium.

The Greens’ $19 million promise is larger than that of the two major parties.

Labor pledged $17 million to the arts, while the Canberra Liberals pledged more than $16 million.

ACT Labor has also promised $16.3 million to complete Stage 2 of the Belconnen Arts Centre if re-elected, and also look at building a new 2,000-seat Canberra Theatre if re-elected, for use for large concerts, musicals and ballet.

The Canberra Liberals will put aside $15 million to complete Stage 2 of the Belconnen Arts Centre. Over four years, $15,000 per year will be contributed towards the Canberra Area Theatre Awards to encourage excellence in its fields of endeavour.