Screen NSW will receive nearly $10 million in the next financial year, unchanged from the current funding level.
Arts Minister Troy Grant said the funds will be used to attract film production, support the local industry and invest in events such as the Sydney Film Festival.
Thus it’s expected that spending on programs will continue to run at about $7.9 million, which last fiscal year included $4.4 million in production finance, $960,000 on development, $380,000 in regional film funding and nearly $980,00 for the festival.
The government’s 1.5% efficiency dividend to be imposed across the public sector will not impact spending on progams.
The budget delivered today provides more than $316 million to the arts, including almost $51 million to support artists and organisations across NSW; $30 million over four years for arts in Western Sydney including $10 million to relocate the Powerhouse Museum from Ultimo to Parramatta and $7.5 million for local arts and cultural organisations; and $11 million over two years for planning, design and approvals of the new Walsh Bay arts precinct.
Among other allocations, $4.9 million will be spent on upgrades to the State Library, including improved disability access; $2.9 million to upgrade lighting, air conditioning and chiller units at the NSW Art Gallery; and $2.1 million to allow free access for children under 16 to the Powerhouse and Australian Museums.
In addition, the government will reserve $600 million from the leasing of poles and wires for arts and culture infrastructure.
Meanwhie, applications have closed for the position of CEO of Screen NSW succeeding Maureen Barron, who steps down on August 7. Recruitment agency Watermark will draw up a short list of candidates to be interviewed..