Western Australia's burgeoning film industry is being supported with $105 million towards a state-of-the-art studio and a new $20 million fund to attract screen productions to Western Australia - as part of a range of culture and the arts initiatives in the 2021-22 State Budget.
Delivering on a 2021 State Election commitment, the new film studio at Fremantle's Victoria Quay will include purpose-built, sound-resistant stages and other onsite facilities such as offices, construction space, parking, set storage and other amenities.
It is envisaged the facility will take the local screen industry to the next level - creating jobs for locals in the industry and affiliated areas. It will also support the immersive technology and video games industry.
The $20 million Screen Production Attraction Fund will help attract new local, national and international projects to Western Australia's new studio, while assisting to unlock Federal film production funding.
The $125 million investment in the 2021-22 State Budget is part of the McGowan Government's plans to create a new vision for Fremantle's Victoria Quay Waterfront Precinct.
The 2021-22 State Budget also includes an $8 million investment in the Creative Learning Program to deliver local initiatives to foster creativity in schools throughout Western Australia.
The program will provide creative, social, health and well-being outcomes for educators, students, artists and broader school communities.
An additional $1 million will be invested in the successful Better Beginnings program - expanding the State Library's award-winning initiative to the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, and $900,000 for a community literacy grants program.
The $1 million over five years will provide greater access to early literacy services to more Western Australians.
In addition to investing in new infrastructure and programs, several well-accessed initiatives will see continued support in the 2021-22 State Budget.
This includes the Getting the Show Back on the Road+ program, a vital initiative enabling event organisers to manage the risk of potential income lost due to COVID-19 impacts.
Other programs and commitments that have been extended include an additional $3 million for the Contemporary Music Fund to foster and support local bands and performers.
Country WA will see continued support with $13 million for Regional Arts programs, including an additional $4 million over two years for the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost, $5 million for the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program, and $4 million for the WA Film Fund.
For more information, visit https://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"The McGowan Government is committed to supporting culture and the arts, whether supporting our growing local film and music industries or fostering creativity in young Western Australians.
"Culture and the arts provide much needed joy but also important job-creating benefits in communities across the State.
"It's vital to continue to support creative professionals across the State. Their contribution not only helps build WA's cultural and artistic fabric, but gives communities the opportunity to come together after a period of disconnection.
"The 2021-22 State Budget supports both long-term infrastructure projects like the new Fremantle film studio and vital community programs to support culture and the arts from the grassroots level.
"We are committed to supporting our culture and the arts sector in this important investment - ensuring we support the jobs of the future while creating vibrant, thriving communities."
