Steve Dow looks at what the 2021-22 Federal Budget has in store for the arts industry after the horror year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a recent speech the Arts Minister noted the value of the arts sector to the Australian identity, economy and people, but failed to acknowledge the steady decline in available arts funding relative to population growth over the last decade, writes Leya Reid.

The new injection of funding comes as the arts industry faces the “cliff edge” of JobKeeper’s termination this month.

Why are Australian politicians so nervous about being seen to support the arts? asks Guy Noble.

The Australian Haydn Ensemble, Omega Ensemble and Melbourne Digital Concert Hall’s New South Wales program – to include 100 concerts in 2021 – are among the recipients in Round 1 of the 2020/21 Arts and Cultural Funding Program.

The delay in rolling out the promised emergency package, and the disregard in the 2020–21 Budget, speaks to the Federal Government’s failure to understand the significance of arts and culture.

The new Re-imagine: sector recovery initiatives fund, which acknowledges the “significant forces of change and evolution facing the cultural and creative industries”, is supported by the Sidney Myer Fund.

The Federal Government’s long-awaited RISE funding begins to flow to arts companies, while restrictions on venue capacity continue to lift around the country.

Live Performance Australia has welcomed the package of grants and loans, while the MEAA has described it as a “slap in the face” to workers in the industry.

The announcement, which will provide welcome relief for many in an industry devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has been overshadowed by accusations of “pork-barrelling”.

The funding will support venues including the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne and Melbourne Recital Centre.

While the support has been welcomed, many fear it falls far short of what is needed for the industry to survive the COVID-19 crisis.