More than 113 small-to-medium performing arts companies will benefit from an extra $4.8 million in Australian Government Budget funding.

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator the Hon George Brandis SC, today announced the recipients of the additional Australian Government funding for the small to medium performing arts sector in 2008.

The funding boost includes an additional $2.9 million for more than 51 companies receiving triennial funding, $1.3 million for more than 62 companies receiving annual funding and $0.6 million in initiatives next year.

It is the first allocation of a four-year package worth a total of $19.5 million for Australia’s small to medium performing arts announced by the Australian Government in the 2007-08 Budget.

Senator Brandis said that the increased funding recognised the vital role played by this sector.

‘This package represents a very substantial funding increase for Australia’s small to medium performing arts companies,’ he said.

‘It will provide a significant boost not only to the sustainability of the sector as a whole, but for each of the companies that benefit from today’s announcement,’ he said.

The increased funding applies to triennial and program grant recipients next year, assessed by the Australia Council’s theatre, music and dance boards in their most recent grant rounds. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts board will allocate the remainder of the funds at its October meeting.

Australia Council for the Arts chief executive officer Kathy Keele hailed the Australian Government’s commitment to the small to medium performing arts sector.

‘The Government recognises the importance of these companies as the engine room of creativity in the arts sector and as a breeding ground for emerging artistic talent,’ she said.

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