Changes to Federal Arts Funding a disaster for Schools and Arts Companies

As we've already reported, the change in arts funding for companies touring Australia is potentially diabolical.

This year, we've seen touring theatre productions for schools audiences from Queensland (eg Kelly (image above), Black Diggers by QTC), from SA (eg Cranky Bear by Patch Theatre), from NSW (eg 26 & 52 Storey Treehouse by CDP Theatre Producers), from Victoria (Stripey-the eggscellent adventures of an emu chick by Garry Ginivan Attractions) and these are just a few examples. Touring funding allows audiences outside of the state the show was produced in, to see it without having to pay travel costs. It's a system that has worked well bringing the best works produced in Australia to all Australians.

This is even more the case for producers of work for schools and familiy audiences. Ticket prices have to be kept low, so there is little chance a producer could pay the costs to tour their show. Schools audiences everywhere would miss out. 

It is important that all audiences have access to the arts, but schools audiences are the most important and they will be the most affected. 

Without any consultation, the Federal Government has taken millions from the Australia Council. The June funding round for touring had to be withdrawn because the Australia Council simply didn't know if it could pay for tours. This means hundreds of theatres and companies are uncertain what will happen next year. Arts companies are concerned about the uncertainty of their future.

SA's Patch Theatre has written a great response to all of this, explaining how their company will be affected and advocating letter writing action. When you read it, realise that this is the situation for most arts companies in Australia.

Shows For Schools endorses their comments and we will also be writing to politicians.

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