The Australia Council for the Arts has warmly welcomed today’s announcement of an additional $135 million support for the creative sector.

“The additional $125 million in funding for the RISE program and the revised guidelines will help more artists, creative workers and businesses access the support they need as our cultural and creative sector continues to recover and rebuild from the impact of COVID-19,” said Adrian Collette AM, CEO of the Australia Council.

“We also welcome the additional $10 million for Support Act, to continue its important work supporting the wellbeing of artists and creative workers.

“We are encouraged to see more opportunities for our artists and creative workers as venues reopen and productions and events resume, but we also know there will continue to be real challenges for different parts of the sector, particularly given the ongoing impact of venue capacity limits and other restrictions, and the ongoing risk of border closures.

“The latest survey of audience attitudes found there is a strong and growing public demand for artistic and creative engagement.

“The increase in funding for the RISE program and the updated guidelines for applicants will make a significant contribution to supporting more of our artists, creative workers, businesses and organisations as we continue the recovery process,” Mr Collette said.

The Australia Council has worked closely with the Office for the Arts in advising on the need for, and delivery of, support programs, drawing upon its sector knowledge and expertise.

“We look forward to continuing our close and very productive collaboration with the Office for the Arts in the successful roll-out of this critical support for our creative sector, in addition to the programs managed by the Australia Council.

“As we continue the journey of reopening and rebuilding, the Australia Council is committed to its role in supporting a thriving creative sector in Australia,” Mr Collette said.