Budget takes Qld arts and cultural development to the next stage

Premier and Arts Minister Anna Bligh said this year's Budget launched the next chapter of arts and cultural development in Queensland.

Ms Bligh said: "We've seen the Millennium Arts projects, Gallery of Modern Art, Centre of Contemporary Art Cairns, the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough, and The Edge all now built, fully operational and exceeding expectations.

"The National Carriage Factory in Toowoomba is near completion and will open in September 2010.

"It's time to plan the next phase of investment in cultural infrastructure in Queensland."

This year's Arts Budget is $232 million - a 68 per cent increase or $94 million since 1998 under Labor.

The extra investment in the arts sector this year includes almost $21 million in new funding and $40 million in state-owned land committed to the Cairns Cultural Precinct.

Initiatives include:

·A $42.5 million commitment to the Cairns Cultural Precinct, consisting of the State-owned $40 million site and $2.5 million as a one-third contribution of funding for detailed planning of the project;

·$12.1 new funding over four years for the Queensland Art Gallery to deliver major art exhibitions into the future;

·$4 million new funding for regional arts infrastructure over the next four years to upgrade existing facilities and undertake planning for new infrastructure in our regions;

·$1 million new funding over the next two years to undertake planning and design work on a major redevelopment of Queensland Museum.

·$1.2 million extra funding over the next two years for the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair

Ms Bligh said the extra investment towards a new Cairns Cultural precinct showed the Government was committed to delivering it in partnership with the Cairns Regional Council and the federal Government.

"This will breathe new life into the Cairns economy and add a major new attraction to the Cairns visitor experience, as well as be a showcase for indigenous art and performance," Ms Bligh said.

"It's clear that this project is what Cairns needs now and for the future.

"This project will help boost confidence in the Cairns economy and support jobs which is what I am absolutely committed to doing.

"Our money is on the table to make this a reality."

The Budget also includes ongoing funding to support key projects such as $10 million over four years for art + place for public arts projects and $1.2 million for the Ideas Festivals in 2011 and 2013.

Ms Bligh said the extra investment in regional arts infrastructure showed the Government's commitment to strengthening venues in the regions.

"A thriving arts and cultural sector is an important part of liveability and well being in regional and urban communities," she said.

And Ms Bligh said unlike the other major institutions in the Southbank cultural precinct, Queensland Museum was not part of any significant expansion in the Millennium project.

"The extra funds in this Budget will fund the business case for the development needed," she said.

"Queensland has a vibrant arts and cultural sector which supports jobs and local economies and deserves to be supported," Ms Bligh said. "That's exactly what this years' Budget recognises."

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