The 2022-23 NSW Budget makes the state's arts, screen and culture offerings more accessible for all, with the NSW Government spending over $1.4 billion on arts and creative infrastructure.
The NSW Government will fund a range of initiatives, including free general admission to cultural institutions, extending cost of living programs, support for artists at all stages of their careers, and developing new cultural infrastructure projects across the state.
The 2022-23 NSW Budget for the arts, screen and cultural sector follows a record commitment of over $350 million over the past 24 months to ensure the arts, screen and cultural sectors remained viable throughout the pandemic.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the arts sector was among the hardest hit during COVID-19 and the 2022-23 Budget will continue supporting artists and performers, ensuring everyone across the state has the opportunity to access their works.
"It's been an incredibly tough couple of years for the arts, and as we look to recover from the effects of that period, this year's State Budget is an investment in the future that will create more jobs and more opportunities across the sector," Mr Franklin said.
"This year's budget will make arts offerings accessible and affordable for everyone with $22.9 million for an extension of the popular Creative Kids cost of living program for families and $5.9 million to support free entry over the next 12 months, to the Australian Museum and Sydney Living Museums.
"The Government is also committing a further $58 million to ensure our museums, galleries, performing arts spaces and cultural institutions are world-class and fit-for-purpose to attract local and international visitors and give our artists the platforms they deserve."
NSW is known for producing some of the world's best arts and culture. To further enhance arts and culture in our state, in 2022-23 we will also invest:
- $9.3 million over three years to renew the National Art School and increase public accessibility to the historic site
- $3.5 million towards WorldPride arts events in Sydney in 2023
- $900,000 for a dedicated repatriation of ancestral remains program, Returning Them Home, to be led by the Australian Museum
The NSW Government will continue to invest $67.7 million in the Arts and Cultural Funding Program which includes the $6 million annual boost announced in 2021. This funding boost will provide residents and visitors more opportunities to access the creativity of our state's great art and artists.
