QLD Budget provides extra $41.6m for arts sector

Image: Brisbane artist Conrad Sewell

The Queensland Budget is allocating an additional $41.8 million investment in Queensland’s arts sector over the next four years. The money is aimed at generating regional arts activity and cultural tourism opportunities.

“Queensland has a reputation for presenting some of the best arts and cultural experiences in the country, with exhibitions and productions exclusive to our state attracting national and international interest,” the Premier and Arts Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

The Budget provided support for regional arts access through the Playing Queensland Fund (PQF). It will present communities with new productions as well as shows from the state’s home companies: the Queensland Ballet, Queensland Theatre Company, Opera Queensland and Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

“PQF has been bolstered by $3 million over four years to continue its success and extend the reach and number of touring arts, including performances, educational programs and workshops,” the Premier said.

Playing Queensland Fund supports performing and visual arts projects that show there is a demand for them. The aim is to increase the number and reach of touring activities, and to maximise access for regional Queensland to experience arts events. It is available for professional and amateur artists, companies and groups, and includes international and interstate touring artists

The Government also allocated $3 million towards various venues. The Cremorne Theatre at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) will see the redesign of staging and seating areas.

The Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC), gets $15 million, “subject to the outcome of Federal Government funding and a business case,” the Premier said.

“To be delivered by Cairns Regional Council, CPAC has the potential to support economic development, including the creation of local construction jobs, as well as opportunities for state and national performing arts companies to bring their productions to Far North Queensland.”

In 2016-17, the Government will provide an increase of $18.8 million for a total of $191.6 million for operating expenses of the arts portfolio including the state’s arts statutory bodies: the Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), QPAC, Screen Queensland and Queensland Theatre Company.

Over the next four years, QAGOMA will get $10.8 million, including an incentive of up to $2 million to match sponsorship funding raised by the Gallery to secure blockbuster exhibitions.

Making Queensland an innovation hub has seen the Government commit $225 million, bringing it to a total of $405 million, taking into account the $180 million from the last Budget. Of this, $10 million will be spent on developing new platform technologies for business in areas like big data and drones. $22.7 million will be allocated to boosting small business, and $40 million on attracting business to Queensland.