Page 3698 - Week 12 - Thursday, 13 October 1994
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support the work of both professional and community visual artists. Professional artists would have access to high-quality facilities and equipment on a shared basis. A single building would provide cost savings to the Government in such areas as rent and maintenance and equipment costs. New creative links could be established between these organisations and with community artists, who would have access to common facilities of a high standard. I can report to the Assembly that planning for this facility has proceeded to the preliminary sketch plan stage and will be considered in the context of the 1995-96 budget.
Madam Speaker, I have mentioned the National Festival of Australian Theatre. In a very few years the festival - which certainly preceded my time as Minister - which has significant financial support from the ACT Government, has become an exciting cultural event, and this year is no exception. The national festival continues to provide innovative and challenging work of the highest standard. I find it particularly pleasing to see ACT performing arts companies and artists selected to perform in this year's festival. This year the festival includes the Performing Arts Market. This is a new initiative in the festival by the Australia Council and the National Festival of Australian Theatre to showcase the best in performing arts to an audience of international buyers. This is an exciting new development, and I commend the festival organisers for their enterprising contribution to selling our arts and cultural products around Australia and overseas. Finally, on facilities, I was delighted to see the long-held vision of a studio for local visual artists realised, with the establishment of the Australian National Capital Artists, ANCA, studios in Dickson and Mitchell in 1993.
I now turn to funding for culture and the arts. At a time when arts budgets are under threat in other States, the ACT Government has maintained its strong commitment to the arts and arts funding. In fact, this Government has ensured that CPI adjustments are made each year to funds provided. In 1992, the Government spent $2.4m on its cultural development grants program. In 1994, that figure has increased to $2.8m. Madam Speaker, we are in an exciting, dynamic period in the history of arts in the ACT. This Government believes that the arts are an essential component of the life of the Territory and play an important role in ensuring the vitality of our community. We have demonstrated that we are responsive to community needs, and our commitment to cultural development is clear and unambiguous. As we approach the twenty-first century and the future maturing of our city, the Government looks forward to the continuing development of our arts and cultural scene. I present a copy of this statement, and I move:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
Debate (on motion by Mr Humphries) adjourned.
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