The show must go on: Arts sector to receive $250m to kickstart crippled industry

As many as one in four Aussies have lost their job in this hugely struggling industry, Now, the Federal Government has stumped up $250 million to get it off life support.

The Federal Government has announced a $250 million “JobMaker” funding package for Australia’s arts sector today, in a bid to help it recover from crippling coronavirus restrictions.

Under the plan, artists and entertainers will be able to apply for $90 million worth of concessional loans to fund new productions, provided through commercial banks with a 100 per cent Commonwealth guarantee.

Another $75 million will be made available in grants from the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund to produce new concerts, tours, festivals and events. The grants range from $75,000 to $2 million.

Commonwealth-funded arts organisations across music, circus, dance and arts will be eligible for a slice of $35 million in direct grants, and $50 million will go towards helping film and television projects secure funding and resume production.

The package will be rolled out over the next 12 months, with more details on eligibility and applications to be released in the coming weeks.

The Prime Minister will also approach state and territory leaders about a timetable to reopen theatres and productions during Friday’s National Cabinet meeting.

Mr Morrison said the arts and entertainment sector was one of the first areas impacted by coronavirus, and would be one of the last to return to normality.

“Our JobMaker plan is getting their show back on the road, to get their workers back in jobs,” he said.

“We’re delivering the capital these businesses need so they can start working again and support the hundreds of thousands of Australians who make their living in the creative economy.”

He added the measures would support not only performers and artists, but also crew members, front of house staff, and would give a flow-on boost to the tourism and hospitality industries.

While the Coalition expects the package to serve as a big boost for workers, Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance chief executive Paul Murphy described the announcement as a “slap in the face”.

Mr Murphy said while the money was welcome, it would do more for organisations than for workers, who had gone months without a pay cheque.

“The grants and loans will help arts organisations begin to recover from the coronavirus shutdown, but there is absolutely no relief for freelance and casual workers who have lost their jobs and suffered significant reductions in income,” he said.

“These workers are the backbone of the industry.

“It is essential to provide capital injections and financing and investment incentives to the bodies that provide employment in the industry, but there is no point in doing that if you don’t have a workforce.”

Mr Murphy said creative workers would benefit more from a change to the eligibility criteria for JobKeeper, which would allow them to claim the income subsidy.

“The stark reality is that we are in danger of losing a generation of creative professionals in this country without an adequate income support scheme,” he said.

The Government has responded to MEAA’s statement, claiming arts workers receive about $100 million each month in wage subsidy payments, in addition to numerous state government bailout measures.