Four leading arts organisations threatened by COVID-19 are set to share in more than $4 million funding, under the second batch of the Morrison Government's $35 million COVID-19 Arts Sustainability Fund.
The Sustainability Fund is designed to assist significant Australian Arts organisations deemed as facing a risk to their sustainability over the next 12 months due to COVID-19.
At-risk organisations must be considered to have a good prospect of maintaining their viability-and have a clear plan to do so-with support from the Fund.
The Wheeler Centre, Belvoir Theatre Company, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, and the Queensland Ballet are the latest recipients of the Fund, and will collectively receive more than $4 million to support their continued operations.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cites and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the Sustainability Fund provides organisations with financial assistance to plan a pathway for recovery from the effects of COVID-19.
"These organisations are key employers of artists and art workers and leading presenters of high-quality work to audiences across Australia, which is why this financial support is crucial," Minister Fletcher said.
"This funding brings the total pool of allocated funds to more than $13 million to date, reflecting our significant investment in supporting the arts and cultural sector in continuing its activities, and rebuilding from this period of severe disruption."
The funding follows an assessment process administered by the Office for the Arts, with the Australia Council the Infrastructure and Project Financing Agency.
In January 2021 more than $9 million in funding was announced under Batch One of the Fund, for National Institute of Dramatic Art, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Melbourne Art Foundation.
The Sustainability Fund is still open and accepting applications. Applications will close on 31 May 2021 (5:00pm AEST), subject to allocation of funds.
