Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator George Brandis, today announced that 113 small to medium theatre, music and dance companies will benefit from an additional $4.8 million in Australian Government performing arts funding.

Senator Brandis said this is the first allocation of the additional funding of $19.5 million over four years announced in the 2007–08 Budget.

This funding 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.

“This funding will enhance the ongoing sustainability of this vital sector and facilitate new projects, skills development activities and community education and access programmes,” Senator Brandis said.

Visit www.ozco.gov.au for more information.

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248

3 October 2007
117/07