Federal Government commits $20 million in funding to Support Act

Support Act is set to receive a further $20 million in funding from the Federal Government as part of a new arts relief package to be announced later today.

As part of the new package, Support Act will expand its outreach beyond the music industry to support artists, creatives, production and technical crew working across the broader arts sector.

From August 23, all employees working in dance, theatre, circus and opera will be eligible to access financial grants and mental health support from the charity, with Support Act currently adding extra staff ahead of its expansion.

The Morrison Government will also commit an additional $15 million to its Sustainability Fund as part of the latest relief package, providing further support to Australian arts organisations impacted by the current wave of lockdowns.

Support Act CEO Clive Miller welcomed the announcement of the relief package today, highlighting the continued need for Government intervention as the Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on the arts sector.

“Lockdowns and restrictions are impacting music and performing arts workers around the country, and many are falling through the cracks when it comes to the other federal and state funds available,” Miller said.

“What’s clear is that the impacts of the Delta variant are going to be felt for quite some months and this additional support from the Government will help to ensure that more people are able to access our crisis relief and mental health and wellbeing services.”

Since April 2020, Support Act has delivered $10.9 million in grants to 4,506 applicants and provided over 1,700 hours of counselling support through its Wellbeing Hotline, allocating $770,000 in grants to impacted music workers in the past week alone.

Arts minister Paul Fletcher commended the role of Support Act over the past 18 months, saying that the latest package would allow the charity to provide further support to the broader arts sector.

“The challenges faced by those in the arts and entertainment sector are affecting the mental health of many in the industry. That’s why charities like Support Act are crucial at this time,” Fletcher said.

“This latest commitment brings our total funding provided to Support Act to $40 million, to allow them to respond quickly and effectively to the continuing needs of live performance artists, crew and music workers including sound and lighting technicians, managers, booking agents, promoters, venue workers and roadies still affected by COVID-19.”

Find out more about Support Act’s COVID-19 Crisis Relief grant here.