Malinauskas launches new $80m State Cultural Policy to support arts but Tarrkarri gallery snubbed

The Premier has launched a state-first blueprint for SA’s arts future – but has left out funding for a highly-anticipated multimillion-dollar project in the heart of Adelaide.

Tarrkarri Aboriginal Art and Cultures Centre Design credit: Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Woods Bagot. Picture: Lot Fourteen

SA’s first 10-year arts and culture policy A Place to Create was launched today with no mention of funding for the long-touted Tarrkarri Centre for First Nations on North Terrace.

The prime, cleared city site remains empty after Premier Peter Malinauskas halted work on the multimillion dollar new centre for First Nations arts and culture calling for a project review.

A spokesperson confirmed that today’s launch of a new 10-year cultural policy, A Place to Create, contains no financial plans for its future. The centre was originally meant to cost $200m when it was announced but the premier said in 2023 that figure could rise to $600m.

Today he said that the “Tarrkarri dream is still alive” but reiterated the state government was looking for private investors to contribute to the site where construction started in 2021.

However, the new policy does promise an initial $80m to deliver “arts, cultural and creative experiences” for South Australians including $2.3m investment for First Nations arts and culture in SA.

Another $15m would support the Art Gallery of South Australia to deliver “world-class programs” including a new Winter Art Series.

More than $3m is earmarked to build an international profile of SA’s arts, culture and creative industries, $2.5m for children and young people through Adelaide Youth Orchestras, Carclew and a new experience at the State Library of SA.

In December 2021, Kaurna elder Jeffrey Newchurch (middle) with Indigenous Dance Collective Tjarutja (back) Janelle Egan, Melanie Koolmatrie, (front) Adrianne Semmens and Caleena Sansbury mark the construction ceremony of Tarrkarri the Centre for First Nations Cultures on the old Royal Adelaide Hospital Site. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

It also includes more than $1.5m to boost existing Live Music programs and initiatives.

CreateSA – formerly Arts South Australia – would deliver the policy also supported through the annual investment of $149m in the arts, cultural and creative industries through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

“Our international reputation for hosting events like the Festival and Fringe relies on a

thriving grassroots arts community,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“This policy will serve as a blueprint for supporting artists in their essential work of

strengthening our community, fostering creativity and shaping a vibrant and hopeful

future for our state.”

Arts Minister Andrea Michaels said this was the first time the state had a 10-year strategy designed to strengthen arts, culture and creative industries, organisations and institutes for the

future.

“A Place to Create recognises the vital role artists and creatives play both culturally

and economically in South Australia,” she said.

“Not only do they entertain us, inspire us and bring us joy every single day with their

music, performances, film, works of art and so much more, they also contribute more

than $1.8 billion to our state’s economy each year.”