The Western Australia Ballet Company is one of several organisations who will receive a funding boost in order to cover rising production and touring costs. Photo: West Australian Ballet Company.
The Western Australian State Government Budget will provide a funding boost of nearly $6 million over the next two years into the State’s creative sector when it is handed down tonight (9 May).
The funding will be provided to employers to provide employment opportunities for local talent, and to create new artistic works.
As part of the budget, 35 small to medium arts organisations will benefit from $359,000 in funding through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ Arts Organisation Investment Program (AOIP), and the Bunbury Regional Gallery and Geraldton Regional Gallery will share in $300,000 of additional investment, also through the AOIP.
Organisations and companies such as the Black Swan State Theatre Company, Marrugeku Inc, West Australian Ballet Company, West Australian Opera Company and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra will also be better funded so they can absorb rising production and touring costs.
Other planned investments include a new WA Screen Strategy to guide attraction of larger scale productions to WA and stimulate development of local creative content, and the construction of the $233.5 million screen production facility near Malaga.
Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said guiding the growth of Western Australia’s arts, culture and creative industries remains a priority, and the government is backing this up with continued investment.
“That is why the 2024-25 State Budget includes $5.9 million in new funding for various creative industries, to support employment opportunities for local creatives, creation of new works and production and touring costs to showcase our talent across the state, nation and world,” he said.
“In my work as part of the Cook Government, I have been firmly focused on building a better future for all who work in the sector.
“The arts and our creative industries are essential for community wellbeing, the creation of jobs and the diversification of our economy.”
Last December’s mid-year budget review had forecast a $3.7 billion surplus for the state, but some commentators have predicted Treasurer Rita Saffioti could declare an even higher surplus tonight thanks to income generated from Western Australia’s GST revenue, and increased iron ore royalties.
