Last night the Australian Government handed down the Federal Budget for 2024-25.

In the days prior there had already been some announcements of additional investment for the arts and culture sector, including $117.2 million over four years for the national performing arts training organisations (Arts8) and Australian Film, Television and Radio School, as well as $5.2 million over four years for the Canberra and Darwin symphony orchestras.

Last night’s announcement included new investments for First Nations language centres, the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, and Revive Live (to support Australian live music venues and festivals). The Government also announced $2.9m over four years for initiatives to support people with disability to access and participate in the creative arts, on top of the $5m already committed for this in 2023-24 as a part of Revive.

Total government spending on arts and cultural heritage peaks in 2024-25 at $2.14b, and then declines steadily to $1.85b by 2027-28. This is primarily due to increased investment in Australian Screen Production Incentives and Digital Game Production Offset programs in 2023–24 and 2024–25 and a reduction in funding for the Location Incentive Program over the five years from 2023–24 to 2027–28.

TNA welcomes the new investment in our national training institutions and the additional commitment to support disabled peoples’ access and participation, both of which will contribute to a healthier arts ecology.

As the Albanese Government continues to address the parts of the sector that remain at risk through considered and strategic investment, TNA urges it to prioritise performing arts organisations and independents. Our sector persists in contributing to Australia’s cultural capital, economy, liveability, and wellbeing, while struggling with rising costs, poor working conditions, workforce shortages, and burnout.

More details here: https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/burke/media-release/investing-more-australian-creative-talent-and-stories