The content on this page and other DCITA document archive pages is provided to assist research and may contain references to activities or policies that have no current application. See the full archive disclaimer.
Minister's Message
Welcome to the spring issue of Artbeat , the first issue since the May Federal Budget. I believe this year will bring great rewards to the Australian arts sector.
My confidence that this will be a good year for the arts is based on the fact that the Australian Government's 2005–06 budget contained significant new funding for the arts sector.
The Government has responded to industry concerns with an $88 million package of measures to strengthen Australian film and television production. This package includes an additional $35 million over four years for the Film Finance Corporation to support the production of commercially competitive feature films.
Another film initiative is the extension of the Film Licensed Investment Company (FLIC) scheme, piloted in 1999. This will provide a further source of production funding for Australian filmmakers while offering compelling tax advantages to investors in the scheme. On Friday 12 August 2005, I called for applications from Australian companies for the new FLIC licence.
In the 2005–06 Budget, the Government committed $25.4 million over four years to Australia's symphony and pit orchestras as part of its response to the 2005 Strong Review. This funding will ensure the long-term sustainability of the orchestral sector and improve the financial and artistic outlook for the orchestras.
The Government also committed an additional $3.9 million over four years to other major performing arts companies to address particular cost pressures and support the ongoing financial viability of these bodies.
The Government renewed its commitment to those Australians living in regional and remote areas by establishing a totally new program to complement the Festivals Australia program—Festivals Australia Regional Residencies.
The new Regional Residencies funding of $1.5 million will assist regional and remote communities to tell the stories of their communities at festivals and community events through a variety of art forms. This program will allow more and more Australians to get involved in the arts as active participants.
We are continuing to support other national touring programs—Playing Australia, Visions of Australia, and the Contemporary Music Touring Program.
Support for Indigenous arts and craft centres across Australia will also continue as part of the government's commitment to building a stronger and more sustainable Indigenous arts sector. These centres are playing an increasingly important role in the economic and cultural life of many Indigenous communities.
On a final note I would like to congratulate Artbank, the Australian Government national art rental scheme, on reaching its 25th successful year and on opening its impressive new showroom in Melbourne.
This edition of Artbeat contains valuable information on these initiatives and stories of artistic success and opportunity.
I hope you enjoy it and continue to partake in all that the Australian arts have to offer.
Senator Rod Kemp Minister for the Arts and Sport