- $1.6 million to be shared between three arts organisations over two years
- Latest show of Cook Government support to the Western Australian arts sector
- Funding in response to survey about arts and culture services in the State
The Cook Government is investing $1.6 million in three arts organisations over the next two financial years in its latest show of support to the Western Australian arts sector.
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries will administer funding from the Arts Strategic Initiatives grant program, including:
- $150,000 per annum for Writing WA to advocate, research, promote, communicate and be the peak body for writing and literature in Western Australia;
- $150,000 per annum for Propel Youth Arts WA to deliver support for youth arts including the KickstART Festival and PIVOT professional development initiative; and
- $500,000 for the West Australian Music Industry Association to deliver priority support services for the contemporary music sector.
The funding comes after an online survey of Western Australia's arts and cultural sector, featuring 624 responses from creative artists, organisations, and a range of arts workers.
Results showed their top priorities were income generation, capacity building and advocacy.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"The survey's findings of Western Australia's arts and culture sector presented an opportunity to provide a sharper focus to their work of service and priorities.
"These three organisations have been chosen based on their ability to build capacity, generate income and increase sector resilience.
"Propel Youth Arts WA will provide essential services to 12 to 26-year-olds, including the hugely popular KickstART Festival, which draws 7,000 attendees for arts activities.
"Writing WA will support a fortnightly writing group, weekly podcast, regular newsletters, an interactive digital map, a Literati Directory and venue hire for community events.
"WAM will help rebuild a strong foundation and governance structure, and evolve to meet the needs of the WA music industry."
