South Australia boosts $1 million for emerging artists

While the new South Australian government cut arts funding by $4.9 million in its 2018/9 budget in September, it has  boosted funding by $1 million to grants for emerging artists.

The Making Sustainable Careers program is a election promise in March from premier Steven Marshall and focussed on creatives who are developing or early in their careers.

“Providing funding to artists early assists them to harness their talent and develop viable careers – and this is something the new government is committed to,” said the premier.

“The state government recognises that the arts community is unequivocally a crucial part of South Australia’s cultural landscape, and we want to encourage more and more people to get involved.”

The extra Making Sustainable Careers $1 million is shared between a number of existing grants programs.

Major Commission – $100,000 – more than doubling the funding for major commissions.

Sustainable Careers – Arts Projects – $250,000 – Increase project funding by more than 40%, investing in new projects and focusing on stronger market development.

Regional Arts Development – $140,000 – new funding to support regional arts participation and engagement. To be managed by Country Arts SA.

Emerging Artist Development – $200,000 – ten new opportunities with up to $20,000 each for early-career independent artists to support their practice.

Fellowships – an additional $200,000 – five additional fellowships worth $40,000 each for midcareer or established artists to support their professional practice.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Arts Development – $60,000 – three grants of $20,000 each to support the development of ATSI arts practitioners.

Individual Development – $50,000 – an increase of more than 100% for individuals and boosts the overall amount for specific development opportunities by more than 40 per cent.

Artists in regional areas, including First Nation artists, will have an expertly managed range of new opportunities.

Country Arts SA will offer five Artist in Residence programs and support the development of two new bodies of work.