WA Government Announces $9.4M Arts Funding for Major Companies
On April 18, Western Australia's Arts Minister, Simone McGurk, announced a substantial funding initiative totaling $9.4 million annually over three years for five major performing arts organizations, including Black Swan State Theatre Company and West Australian Ballet. Additionally, a new program has been introduced to support smaller arts groups with two-year funding options alongside existing four-year agreements. The FRINGE WORLD festival is set to receive $4.3 million over the next three years, extending through 2029-30. This funding aims to address inflation and rising production costs, and arts leaders have welcomed the support as crucial for post-pandemic recovery. Final details will emerge with the upcoming budget.
Key facts
- WA Arts Minister Simone McGurk made the pre-budget announcement on 18 April.
- $9.4 million annual funding injection over three years for five major performing arts companies.
- Beneficiaries: Black Swan State Theatre Company, West Australian Ballet, West Australian Symphony Orchestra, West Australian Opera, and Marrugeku.
- New multi-year funding program for small-to-medium arts companies includes a two-year category.
- FRINGE WORLD festival receives $4.3 million over three years through 2029-30.
- Funding aims to address increased production costs, inflation, and wage rises.
- Black Swan CEO Ian Booth said the announcement continues sector momentum.
- West Australian Ballet Executive Director Lauren Major said funding preserves jobs and supports 75th anniversary planning.
- FRINGE WORLD CEO Jo Thomas highlighted ongoing recovery from COVID-19 impacts.
- Chamber of Arts and Culture WA Executive Director Rick Heath called it a much-needed injection.
- Specific funding details will be available when the WA budget is handed down next month.
- The Cook Government has arts and culture among its six headline priorities.
Entities
Institutions
- Black Swan State Theatre Company
- West Australian Ballet
- West Australian Symphony Orchestra
- West Australian Opera
- Marrugeku
- FRINGE WORLD
- Chamber of Arts and Culture WA
- WA Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport
- ArtsHub
- Cook Government
Locations
- Western Australia
- Perth
- Broome
- Australia