Aspiring young artists will no longer play second fiddle to well-funded sports stars, with the Federal Government offering $8.1 million to ensure they receive support to reach their goals.
As part of the new Creative Young Stars program, every Federal Member of Parliament will be handed $23,500 each year to give to young Australians hoping to achieve their goals in the arts.
Arts Minister Simon Crean, who launched the program as part of his $235 million Creative Australia cultural policy, said young artists would finally receive the support usually reserved for sports.
“This is what we've been doing since 2007 for our young sports stars with the Local Sporting Champions program. It's high time we back our aspiring young artists too,” Mr Crean said.
“Most young people have a passion for either the arts or sport. I'm about ensuring that just like young sports talent, our emerging artists get the government backing they deserve,” he said.
Mr Crean said supporting the arts, particularly in regional Australia, would help to produce a better future for the entire country.
“The quality and livability of Australia's regions are benefiting from growing the presence of artistic and creative activities through government investments in arts activities and infrastructure,” he said.
“Australia's future is built on innovation, creativity and design - which many regions have in spades - yet they need to adapt it better.”
The Creative Australia cultural policy will also provide:
Mr Crean said Creative Australia was vital to the future of Australia.
“Creative Australia is about creating excellence, creating jobs, creating prosperity, creating opportunity and creating unique Australian stories - all vital to an outward looking, competitive and confident nation,” Mr Crean said.
More news about Creative Australia funding will be provided through the Funding Centre Scoop and grant alerts.
