Canberra's artists, arts organisations and creative industries help define who we are as a city. This budget, we're delivering on our election commitment to increase investment in arts organisations by 25%.
We're doing this to support the artists and arts organisations who keep our city's cultural heart beating and to support more Canberrans to access arts activities and events.
This ongoing funding will provide certainty to local artists, creatives and organisations to plan, invest and grow, delivering a strong pipeline of new work – strengthening the cultural and economic benefits our local sector provides.
The Budget will provide a structural uplift in funding, representing an investment of over $8 million.
Supporting a thriving and sustainable arts sector not only facilitates the creation of local jobs, it also benefits the community through greater access to diverse, high-quality arts, entertainment and creative experiences.
This announcement includes ongoing support for Kulture Break to continue to deliver its student dance program in ACT Government schools from 1 July 2026.
Canberra's creative industries are also significant innovators in the screen and digital gaming industries and this Budget includes a further round of funding for the Canberra Screen and Games Fund in 2027, following the successful first round announced earlier this year.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism and Trade, Andrew Barr:
"Canberra's arts and creative industries are an important element in promoting our destination for visitors. This investment strengthens our cultural calendar, supports local talent, and enhances the experiences that attract people to live in, work in, and visit Canberra. By backing our artists and creative businesses, we're not only enriching our community, we're growing our tourism economy."
Quotes attributable to ACT Treasurer, Chris Steel:
"Canberra's creative sector is a powerful economic driver for our city. The 2026-27 ACT Budget responds directly to the needs of our creative industries by investing to support their long-term growth.
"By providing artists, organisations, and creative businesses with certainty and stability, we're enabling them to innovate, collaborate, and reach new audiences. This not only enriches Canberra's cultural life, it ensures our city remains a dynamic, vibrant capital where creativity is valued, celebrated, and set up to thrive."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Business, Arts & Creative Industries, Michael Pettersson:
"Canberra is a creative city. Artists, arts organisations and creative businesses bring our city to life.
"This big uplift in funding is what artists asked for and what we promised at the election. This budget delivers."
