THE NSW performing arts and live music sector will be further supported with $85 million in NSW Government funding to provide artists and performers with increased confidence to take their place on centre stage and help kick-start the state’s economy.

After a challenging two years where the entertainment and live music industries have struggled to keep afloat, the NSW Government are hoping to provide a pathway to recovery in the sector.

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Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the $85 million package included an extension for the Performing Arts Relaunch package and a grant to music charitable organisation, Support Act, to assist individual performing artists.

Support act is Australia’s largest charity for the music industry, delivering crisis relief services to artists, artist managers, crew and music workers across all genres who are unable to work due to ill health, injury, a mental health problem or other crisis.

“As we continue to work through this current phase of the pandemic, the $80 million extension of the Performing Arts Relaunch package will support our wonderful performing arts and live music sector to continue to confidently return to the stage and deliver the vibrant, diverse and inspiring works we have missed so much.

“The additional $5 million grant that we are providing to Support Act as part of this package will help to bridge the gap for assistance for those not eligible under other Government funds and ensure our state’s artists are not left behind as a result of disruptions caused by the pandemic,” Mr Franklin said.

Support Act CEO Clive Miller said the funding will offer critical relief to support the health and welfare of people working in the music industry.

“The funds announced today will ensure that those hit hardest will be able to access crisis relief through Support Act to help pay the rent, put food on the table, pay urgent medical bills and stay connected with family and community,” Mr Miller said.

The $85 million package is on top of $125 million in funding announced in 2021 to support the performing arts and live music sector.

Applications for the Performing Arts Relaunch package are open to eligible NSW venues, promoters and producers to relaunch performing arts activities.

For more information, including guidelines and to apply for funding, please visit the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.

By Tara CAMPBELL