$50 million budget windfall for arts

The Queensland arts sector will benefit from a $50 million budget increase, announced today by Treasurer Andrew Fraser.

The Bligh Government will invest more than $259 million in the State’s arts sector in 2008–09, up on the $209 million allocation for 2007-08. This will include $34 million to finalise the two-year refurbishment of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).

Arts Minister Rod Welford said the State Budget included $118.4 million for the State’s flagship cultural organisations, including the Queensland Art Gallery and State Library of Queensland.

“More than 3.6 million people visited the institutions at the Cultural Centre on Brisbane’s South Bank in the past 12 months,” Mr Welford said.

“The refurbishment of the State’s premier performing arts venues at the Cultural Centre, QPAC’s Lyric Theatre and Concert Hall, and improved disability access to the site will enhance Queensland’s capacity to attract and present high-profile performers.”

Mr Welford said an additional $1.3 million had been allocated to the state’s signature festivals: the Queensland Music Festival, Brisbane Festival and Out of the Box Festival for three to eight year olds.

“This funding provides certainty to these festivals, ensuring Queensland maintains its rich cultural flavour,” he said.

“Queensland will continue to attract world-class acts, stage outstanding productions and entertain diverse audiences throughout the state well into the future.”

Mr Welford said $2.7 million from the $10.7 million four-year Backing Indigenous Arts program (launched in May) would support the economic, social and creative opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in Far North Queensland.

“Queensland’s arts and cultural scene is among the most vibrant in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region,” he said.

“Our state is making its mark on the cultural landscape by attracting world-class exhibitions such as the Andy Warhol exhibition and upcoming Picasso exhibition, and creating quality, home-grown arts experiences that we are exporting interstate and internationally.

“This Budget is about continuing to foster an arts sector that is sustainable and marketable, that has a local focus and an international vision.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000