With JobKeeper End Set To Decimate Arts & Music, Govt Confirms $135 Million For Sector

25 March 2021 | 9:41 am | Staff Writer

“We urge the Australian Government to expedite the application process so these funds can be distributed to the industry urgently."

The Federal Government has announced that the arts and entertainment sectors will receive $135 million in funding as JobKeeper payments cease this weekend.

While venues and businesses around the country are fighting for survival, the Government has announced a $125 million extension of the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund - which aims to "reactivate the arts and entertainment sector following the impacts of COVID-19 - and an extra $10 million for music charity Support Act.

“We are delighted the Australian Government has listened to our plea to help support Australia’s live music entertainment industry through the uncertainty of the next six months,” APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston said today.

“This package recognises the unique place of live music and entertainment industry artists, workers and businesses as the sector struggles to restart under the weight of government restrictions and sudden border closures.

“We urge the Australian Government to expedite the application process so these funds can be distributed to the industry urgently. The livelihoods of thousands will rely on this new package to ensure the sustainability of our sector."

ARIA Chief Executive Officer, Annabelle Herd, noted that live music was one of the first sectors to be shut down by the pandemic and "is still operating at well below capacity".

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“Today’s announcement means there is continued financial and other support for those in the industry that have been hit hardest and we support that 100%," Herd said.

Meanwhile, Live Performance Australia (LPA) Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson said while theatre productions are getting back on stage "we need to ensure we retain our critical skills base and businesses across the supply chain including artists, crew, technical businesses, managers, promoters and agents".

“A boost to the existing RISE program to get more shows and acts on stages nationally will provide considerable community stimulus to both upstream and downstream businesses which are driven off the back of Australia’s $15 billion live performance industry," Richardson said.

“... In addition to music promoters and festivals, this will encourage more direct applications from micro-businesses such as managers and booking agents for contemporary music tours and events.

“It will also help support employment retention in the live music sector over the next six months when it will still be operating well below capacity. Making it easier for businesses to get support to plan shows and claim pre-production costs, which includes key entertainment workers, is critical."

Meanwhile, the NSW Government has also announced a $24 million support package for live music venues around the state on the back of campaigns for funding from NSW Shadow Minister for Music and the Night Time Economy John Graham.

"This support package is very welcome," Graham told The Music.

"It comes as venues like Crowbar are calling out for help.

"We are calling on the Government to roll out the package immediately. The slightest delay now could be devastating."