Shadow Minister for the Arts and Tamworth MP, Kevin Anderson, says the NSW budget is risking the future of the arts.
The Nationals’ MP said the program that provides project funding directly to artists as well as multi-year operational funding for arts organisations across the state, was not included in the 2025/26 budget despite receiving $73m last year.
“Without the Arts and Cultural Funding Program, large areas of the state would struggle to support the diversity of platforms that make NSW unique, including First Nations arts, classical arts, community arts, dance, digital art, festivals, literature, museums, theatre and visual arts,” Mr Anderson said.
“The $73m allocated to the program last year fell well short of what was required, with many applicants including regional galleries and arts development organisations being told there was simply not enough money to go around despite having submitted outstanding applications.
“This is not a dress rehearsal, and the Labor Government needs to provide certainty about the future of this crucial funding program.”
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