Arts organisations left reeling over two-year funding cycle

“In real terms, for many arts organisations, that’s 35 to 40 per cent below where we should be now, given the increase in all operating costs.

“Many organizations are running deficits because they cannot cover the increasing costs recently.”

Theater Works chief executive Dianne Toulson said the funding was important but she could not understand why the timing had changed to just two years. Without it, he said, “we would have had to close the doors immediately,” even though Theater Works had reserves and was the biggest box office draw this year.

Toulson asked for more transparency and clarity from the government. “Two years does not give us enough security,” he said.

Nadja Kostich, chief executive and artistic director of St Martins Youth Theatre, whose funding has been cut from four to two years, was also surprised by the change, especially given that young people are listed as a priority in Creative State 28. “What is the strategy to give us this news now?” he asked. “Small companies can’t afford to handle putting out fires.”

L2R Dance Chief executive officer and artistic director Jacinda Richards said the $100,000 annual funding over four years was a game changer for the group. A non-profit social enterprise, the organization provides opportunities for young people who might not otherwise have access to free dance lessons. It also provides “professional development and employment to create the next generation of artists and leaders,” Richards said.

The group offers 10 free hip hop and street dance lessons a week to students from Melbourne West, primarily Wyndham, Maribyrnong and Brimbank. There are also 20 young artists performing at community events.

“This is huge and a game changer for us. Diversifying revenue streams and leveraging government investment was a big goal for us,” Richards said.

The eight First Nations-led organizations receiving funding include Blak Dot Gallery, Agency Projects, Baluk Arts, Koorie Heritage Trust and The Torch, which provides programs for Indigenous people in prison.

Loading

Many sector service organizations, such as Theater Network Australia, Arts Access Victoria, Regional Arts Victoria and advocacy groups such as youth music program The Push, were also funded for two years rather than the traditional four years.

“At this stage we don’t know what the strategy is behind this decision,” Theater Networks’ Lee said.

Details of the organizations that will miss out on funding in this round were not provided.

“While we have not received formal confirmation, we also understand that there is no transitional funding for organizations currently funded that have failed this round. [of funding, known as the Creative Enterprises Program]Lee said.

“If they don’t have significant reserves, they have to make some very tough and difficult decisions very quickly. Some will face a financing cliff on December 31 when their current financing agreements expire.”

“As a sector generally we understand very well that the government is in financial distress and indeed we want transparency, consultation, collaboration and clarity in the way we work with the ministerial office and Creative Victoria.

“If we’re going to have to adapt, we need to do it; we need to be able to work collaboratively with them to ensure we don’t destroy the industry and maintain Victoria’s reputation as a creative state.”

Creative Industries Minister Colin Brooks said Victoria was “the creative state and these 81 organizations play an integral role in that”.

“Victoria’s $41.2 billion creative economy supports jobs and helps businesses thrive,” he said. “This program ensures Victorians of all ages and across the state can make the most of what is on offer.”