The ACT Government will invest more than $7 million in arts and culture as part of the 2025-26 Budget, strengthening support for local artists, preserving Canberra's heritage, and backing the creative industries that enrich our city's identity and economy.
This comprehensive investment will boost financial support for Canberra's artists and cultural organisations, progress heritage conservation works at iconic sites, and build momentum for Canberra's bid to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a City of Design.
Key investments in the 2025-26 Budget include:
Stronger Support for Local Artists, Creatives and Arts Organisations
- Increased funding to directly support artists and arts projects
- Funding for Canberra's bid to be recognised as a UNESCO City of Design through support for design-focused initiatives; the Craft + Design Canberra Festival, a new Artist Engagement Fund and design excellence awards
Preserving and Showcasing Cultural Heritage
- Collection expansion at Canberra Museum and Gallery
- New permanent exhibition space and acquisitions at Lanyon Homestead
- Urgent repairs and conservation at Mugga Mugga Cottage
Growing the Screen and Digital Games Industry
- Continued support for Screen Canberra operations
- Screen and Digital Games funding program
Treasurer Chris Steel said the ACT Government's investment comes at a pivotal time for Canberra's creative sector.
"The creative economy is a growing part of our city's future. We're backing that growth with strategic, long-term investment as we said we would at the election," he said.
"This investment delivers for our artists, preserves our stories, and positions Canberra as a national and global leader in design and innovation."
Minister for the Arts, Michael Pettersson said the Budget reflects the ACT Government's enduring commitment to creativity, inclusion and innovation.
"Canberra's cultural life makes our city special. In this Budget we're investing in the people, places and programs that makes this cultural life thrive," Minister Pettersson said.
"From preserving heritage-listed sites like Mugga Mugga, to supporting screen and digital games creatives, to expanding access to exhibitions and public collections, we are building a vibrant, sustainable and future-focused arts sector."
"We are also increasing arts project funding by 50 per cent which will help more local artists bring their ideas to life and providing funding to the Craft + Design Canberra Festival to ensure its continued success and enhance it as a major cultural event in the ACT. These initiatives will help ensure that creativity is accessible to all, and recognised as a central part of our city's future."
This investment supports Canberra's ambition to be recognised as Australia's arts capital.
