The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

Additional Funding for the Performing Arts

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, today welcomed the announcement of $4.4 million in 2005-06 for the performing arts in Australia, consisting of $2.3 million for the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) in Melbourne, $1.5 million for the Belvoir Street Theatre in Sydney and $600,000 for the Sydney Dance Company.

“All three recipients are renowned across the country and are developing quite a reputation overseas. Australian performers are acclaimed around the world for their skills and talents,” Senator Kemp said.

National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA):

Senator Kemp said the Australian Government will provide NICA with $2.3 million for its purpose-built training and performance centre .

“The funding will contribute to the final construction and fit-out costs of the National Circus Centre,” Senator Kemp said.

“NICA is playing a vital role developing Australia’s circus arts sector. This state of the art facility will ensure its gifted students receive training and performance opportunities of the highest level.”

The Australian Government provided funding of $6 million in 2003-04 for the initial construction costs of the National Circus Centre. In addition, the Government has contributed to NICA’s ongoing operations since 2000, providing $1.95 million in 2005-06.

Graduates of NICA are presently performing in Australia and around the world, with such renowned organisations as Cirque du Soleil, Tokyo Disney and Circus Oz, as well as presenting their own performances such as the enthusiastically received Love Happens, which was a sell-out success during the Cultural Festival of the Commonwealth Games.

Belvoir Street Theatre:

The Australian Government will provide $1.5 million in 2005–06 to Belvoir Street Theatre as a contribution towards their $11.3 million renovation.

“The redevelopment will allow for new dressing and rehearsal rooms, refurbishment of the main Upstairs Theatre, improved disabled access and facilities for staff and patrons,” said the Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp.

The Theatre, which is home to Company B Ltd, a major performing arts company, is a unique venue which has hosted many of Australia’s finest actors and best theatre productions.

Sydney Dance Company:

The Australian Government will provide the Sydney Dance Company with funding of $600,000 in 2005–06 to address its accumulated deficit. This will allow the company to strengthen its planning and ensure its stability into the future.

“The funding will be provided to assist the company to get on a sound financial footing and put in place strategies to strengthen its financial position into the future,” Senator Rod Kemp said.

“The Australian Government is keen to ensure one of Australia’s most significant contemporary dance companies is able to work through a most challenging period.”

The funding will be provided through the Australia Council for the Arts and is part of an ongoing process of consultation between the Council and the company regarding its future directions.

Supporting Information 

Why is this important?

• This funding will enable completion of final construction and fit out of the National Circus Centre in Melbourne.
• The funding will be provided to assist the Sydney Dance Company to get on a sound financial footing and put in place strategies to strengthen its financial position into the future.
• The redevelopment of the Belvoir Street Theatre in Sydney will allow for new dressing and rehearsal rooms, refurbishment of the main Upstairs Theatre, improved disabled access and facilities for staff and patrons.  

Who will benefit?

• Australia ’s circus arts sector, particularly students at NICA
• Belvoir Street Theatre and their audience.
• Sydney Dance Company and their audience.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

• Additional $4.4 million in 2005-06.

What have we done in the past?

• $6 million in 2003-04 for initial construction costs of the National Circus Centre. Operational funding has been provided to NICA since 2000, with $1.95 million in 2005-06.
• Company B Ltd is a major performing arts company, funded by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts.

• Sydney Dance Company receives Australia Government funding through the Major Performing Arts Board of the Australia Council for the Arts.

When will the initiative conclude?

• Funding for each is a one-off payment to be made in 2005–06.

 

8 May 2006
Media contact: Michael Christo, Minister’s Office 03 9650 7274 or 0409 040276