Queensland budget promises $43.1m for arts over four years

Queensland’s Premier and Minister for Arts Annastacia Palaszczuk dedicated $43.1 million to the arts sector over the next four years in yesterday’s state budget.

There was nothing specific for the state’s music industry or for its live music venues, which have called out for government assistance with installing mandatory ID scanning machines from next month. 

The Budget was focussed on supporting the growth of regional and Indigenous arts, arts infrastructure, cultural tourism, and additional new jobs across the state.

A total of $6.5 million will be spent over four years for Indigenous and regional art initiatives. $2.1 million is allocated to create an Indigenous arts incubator for startup Indigenous performance companies in Cairns

“For communities large or small across Queensland, connection to the arts and cultural hubs provides a sense of pride and social cohesion,” the Premier said. 

“More broadly, having a vibrant arts sector creates an ongoing source of skilled jobs and economic benefits including regional investment and enhanced cultural tourism.

“I have already committed to ensuring regional Queensland communities have access to quality arts and cultural experiences.” 

The Premier allocated $17.5 million over four years to create an Arts Infrastructure Investment Fund to support priority projects that will revitalise existing state-owned assets.

These include upgrades for Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Screen Queensland and Queensland Theatre’s Bille Brown Studio in South Brisbane which will increase its seating to 350.

The Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC), expected to open in mid-2018, gets $15 million over two years.

There’s also money for Rockhampton new arts and music precinct.

Screen Queensland has been funded $882,000 to hold seven festivals, including the return of the Brisbane International Film Festival to run August 17 to September 3, with support from industry partner Palace Cinemas.