$250m rescue package for Arts, Screen sectors

Australia’s arts sector will get access to $250 million worth of grants and loans under a COVID-19 recovery package unveiled by the Federal Government.

PM Scott Morrison said the grants and loans would help the entertainment, arts and screen sectors to re-build over the next 12 months.

“This package is as much about supporting the tradies who build stage sets or computer specialists who create the latest special effects, as it is about supporting actors and performers in major productions,” he said.

“Many in the sector will find a new way to operate while the current social distancing measures remain in place and while that won’t be easy, I know there’s a strong desire among all Australians to see the return of gigs, performances and events.”

The package includes:

• • $75 million for a competitive grants program to provide capital for new festivals, concerts, tours and events as social distancing restrictions ease. Grants will range from $75,000 to $2 million
  • $90 million in concessional loans to help fund new productions. Loans will be delivered through commercial banks with a Commonwealth guarantee
  • $50 million to help film and television producers who have been unable to access insurance due to COVID-19 to secure finance and restart production
  • $35 million in direct financial assistance for Commonwealth-funded organisations which are struggling to stay viable, including theatre, dance, music and circus

Arts Minister Paul Fletcher said the Prime Minister would also put a proposal to the states and territories on when businesses still being hampered by coronavirus restrictions could expect to re-open.

“It is very important of course that we work through the pathway for entertainment and creative sector activity to be able to recommence,” he said.

“And one of the things we’re committing to is the Prime Minister will take to National Cabinet a proposal that a pathway be developed for the arts and entertainment sector so we that can provide as much clarity on that as possible.”

But Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said, “The amount is way too small to really make the difference we need and it’s coming so late after the sector has been struggling.

“It was one of the first industries hit as we went into the COVID-19 lockdown and it’s going to be the last sector to come out. It’s just simply not good enough.”

The Government said the sector was already receiving $100 million per month from the JobKeeper program and cash flow support.

Guidelines about how the loan and grants will be distributed will be released in the coming weeks.

Screen Producers Australia CEO Matthew Deaner:

“The fund will assist to secure much needed capital to the hundreds of small businesses which make up the independent production sector so that we can start the cameras rolling again and return thousands of workers back to work across the broad range of jobs that our industry creates.

“The benefits of this package will extend far beyond the personnel on a physical set, with flow on effects to related industries such as tourism and hospitality, and the boost to Australia’s export potential, playing an important part in the nation’s economic recovery. Moreover, the Australian public will no doubt celebrate the return of homegrown stories to our screens.

“Our industry was one of the earliest and hardest hit by COVID-19, impacting 120 local productions and affecting over 30,000 working employees, freelancers and contractors. JobKeeper has been an important lifeline which has helped to keep many screen businesses afloat during this turbulent time.”

Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Chief Executive Paul Murphy said, “While any form of assistance is welcome, this package is another slap in the face for the thousands of arts and entertainment workers who are not eligible for the JobKeeper income subsidy scheme,.

“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.

“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

“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.”

Australian Writers’ Guild:

Australian Writers’ Guild President Shane Brennan said, ‘Our industry employs thousands of skilled people across different crafts and trades, many of whom have been grappling with the impacts of production shutdowns for months without any form of financial assistance. It is imperative that the Federal Government not allow these individuals to be lost to our industry at a time when Australians are enjoying more content than ever before.’

Source: ABC