The ACT government invests in our arts and culture sector so that it continues to thrive.
The revitalization of the Canberra Theater Center and Civic Square will be a major focus of the ACT 2022-23 budget, with $28.44 million invested to develop the detailed design and undertake extensive stakeholder and community consultation for the expansion of the Canberra Theater Centre, including a new large theatre.
An additional $2.39 million will be invested to begin essential occupational health and safety upgrades and to provide the resources needed to support the expansion and redevelopment of the Canberra Theater Centre.
Additionally, the ACT Government will invest $7.9 million to undertake major heritage restorations and essential upgrades to buildings at Gorman House Arts Center in time for the site’s centenary in 2024.
As part of this significant funding, the ACT Government will develop a strategic framework for the future management of ACT Government’s arts infrastructure, including an independent strategic infrastructure review and status report, to inform investments future.
This investment in Gorman House aims to improve accessibility, safety and energy efficiency and to carry out significant heritage restorations in this much-loved centre.
Lanyon Homestead will also be revitalized and made safer, with the former Nolan Gallery to be converted into administrative space, providing a modern, safe and comfortable workspace for ACT Historic Places staff, while respecting the values unique heritage of the enclosure.
Work will also be undertaken to remove and replace end-of-life trees, helping to improve the visitor experience and preserve the heritage values of the Lanyon landscape.
Further support will be provided through increased funding to major arts organizations. Funding for arts organizations will increase by approximately 10%, providing a total of over $7.9 million per year to Canberra’s leading arts organizations.
This increase in funding was announced as part of the new ACT Arts, Culture and Creative Policy and Arts Organization investment program, and will support Canberra’s ambition to be recognized as Australia’s arts capital.
This enhanced funding and renewed policy will enable arts organizations to foster a culture of innovation and creativity and make a strong contribution to creating career paths and creative experiences for Canberrans at all levels.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
These significant investments will preserve and enhance our artistic and cultural heritage and create jobs as we move towards our goal of 250,000 jobs in the ACT economy by 2025.
The construction of a major new theater for Canberra is an important next step in the evolution of arts and culture in our city. This will allow the creative engagement of Canberrans to thrive for generations to come and make a significant contribution to the nation’s performing culture.
This budget reaffirms the importance of the arts and culture sector and our commitment to revitalizing the city center through the redevelopment of the Canberra Theater Centre.
Quotes attributable to Arts Minister Tara Cheyne:
Investing in the arts infrastructure of Lanyon Homestead and Gorman House Arts Center is essential to ensure that our creative and cultural audiences are supported by facilities and venues suitable for ACT.
The increase in funding for arts organizations recognizes the important role that our arts organizations play in contributing to the vibrancy of our city. It will also allow new, incoming arts organizations that meet community needs to apply for funding for the first time in many years.
These significant investments will build on the Arts Ambition Statement, helping to position Canberra as Australia’s arts capital.
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