Ngala kaaditj Whadjuk Noongar moort keyen kaadak nidja boodja
We acknowledge the Whadjuk Noongar people as the original custodians of the land on which our office sits.
This week Minister Templeman announced the results of the latest Arts Organisation Investment Program (AIOP) which provided a $56 million package over four years of funding for 37 small-to-medium companies in the arts and culture sector.
The Chamber welcomes this announcement. Investment in the arts and culture sector returns strong dividends for the WA economy in terms of employment, economic growth, diversification and inclusion. Creativity and innovation are also key factors in productive workforces and healthier communities.
Many of the organisations receiving funds are an important gateway for independent artists to access support which is critical given the challenges faced by the sector in recent years due to the impact of Covid.
The Chamber is delighted to see that its advocacy has had impact in regional investment. In 2019 the Chamber identified an absence of funding for regional organisations outside of the Kimberley region. The latest AOIP funding has been allocated directly to regional organisations and includes the addition of three regionally based organisations, Mundaring Arts Centre, North Midlands Project and Theatre Kimberly. While, 11% of investment directly targets First Nation focused organisations which will contribute towards the preservation and intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge and cultural practices which underpin economic and social wellbeing.
Chamber Executive Director, Kim Jameson said, “The National Cultural Policy has set a tone for Australia’s arts and culture industry. Ensuring there is a connected policy environment at State and local government level is an important priority for the Chamber going forward. We are all chasing similar outcomes and by working together to harness the power of arts and culture to drive improved social and economic outcomes. We look forward to working closely with government to secure improved outcomes for arts and culture in WA”.
About the Chamber of Arts and Culture WA
The Chamber of Arts and Culture Western Australia is the peak policy and advocacy body representing the arts and cultural sector in Western Australia. The Chamber believes that a vibrant and diverse arts and cultural scene is essential for economic, social and personal well-being.
