NSW sector service share concerns on Create NSW funding and offer advice to prevent future delays

NSW’s leading sector service organisations today share their approaches to responding to intensifying complaints on Round 2 of the Create NSW Arts and Cultural Development Program, and call for the immediate release of these delayed funding announcements. 

“We all look forward to seeing many great projects and important organisations funded in this latest round of Create NSW funding. Each day that passes raises our concern level as more and more complaints are managed by each of our organisations,” said Esther Anatolitis, Executive Director, NAVA. “Two weeks ago, NAVA spoke to Create NSW and the Minister’s office, and were assured that funding announcements would be made within three working days. We were also assured that successful grants would be processed as a matter of urgency to offset the detriment caused by the delays.”

“While we are very pleased that infrastructure funding has now been announced, we note that this is not the first time there have been significant delays that have affected the very industry that the funding is designed to support,” said Jane Kreis, Director, Theatre Network NSW. “The ultimate losers are our communities and audiences, as funding uncertainty weakens the sustainability of arts organisations and arts practice.”

“The uncertainty around the timing of announcements for the grants program and devolved funding programs is causing considerable concern in the regional sector. Shortened timeframes reduces the capacity to deliver regional arts projects,” said Elizabeth Rogers, CEO, Regional Arts NSW. “The inability to progress projects means some projects that may be successful will not be able to proceed as key artists cannot be contracted.”

“We understand that the responsibilities of Create NSW require an extraordinarily high level of prudence and probity,” said Michelle Kotevski, General Manager, Playwriting Australia. “As a highly transparent sector, we appreciate and understand this responsibility. We offer our willingness and expertise to assist Create NSW in the complexities of balancing the competing demands of governance and delivery.”

NSW’s sector service organisations are deeply committed to nurturing an arts ecology that’s generative, ambitious and fair. The role of government is essential to our work in dedicating public funds to programs that support artistic practice and audiences across the state in confident ways. Organisations such as NAVA, Playwriting Australia, Regional Arts NSW and Theatre Network NSW work closely with government to advise the formation of policy and programs that best support the sector.

“As the thinking around Create NSW’s next strategic framework continues to develop, we look forward to contributing in more focused ways,” said Esther.

Esther Anatolitis, Executive Director, NAVA

Michelle Kotevski, General Manager, Playwriting Australia

Jane Kreis, Director, Theatre Network NSW

Elizabeth Rogers, Executive Director, Regional Arts NSW