A support plan for Western Australian artists in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis has been accepted by the Government with $1.5 million in funding.
The funding initiative was developed by the Art Gallery of WA Board and the Art Gallery of WA Foundation.
Aboriginal art centres and independent artists are to share in up to $525,000 towards a targeted acquisition program to purchase existing works for the State Art Collection.
In addition, more than 350 artists will receive $2,000 towards creating a State Art Collection archive.
Minister for Culture and the Arts, David Templeman said that in total, more than 400 Western Australian artists would directly benefit from the initiative, injecting up to $1.5 million into the arts sector economy.
Mr Templeman said the initiative would support Western Australian artists while enriching the State Art Collection.
“The community value of the arts sector is increasingly clear as we connect through music, dance and art in this current time,” Mr Templeman said.
He was supported by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Ben Wyatt who said Aboriginal artists had been particularly impacted by the necessary restrictions brought in to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“This funding will provide vital support to the Aboriginal art centres located throughout Western Australia and ensure that artists are supported during this difficult period,” Mr Wyatt said.
