ACT government support for the arts sector during the COVID-19 pandemic has climbed above $3 million in addition to usual funding rounds, while another 17 artists receiving grants totalling $320,000 this week.
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Arts minister Gordon Ramsay said he was pleased government support could keep artists working during the pandemic.
The latest Arts Activities grants, which are peer-assessed and not part of extra COVID-19 funding, will go to projects that include dance, theatre, photography, publishing and music.
"All of the recipients have unique projects that will benefit their arts practice and the arts community," Mr Ramsay said.
"Krystal Hurst is creating a body of work that responds to the symbology of Aboriginal sovereign jewels and British sovereign jewels, for solo exhibition.
"Poet Melinda Smith has received funding to research and draft a poetry manuscript on memory loss titled 'Coming Unmothered'. The project sees her documenting her mother's memory loss over time in a new series of poems."
Artists apply for grants between $5000 and $10,000. A second round is now open.
Mr Ramsay in March wrote to his federal counterpart, Paul Fletcher, to urge a flexible income support scheme for the creative industries that recognised "the unusual employment circumstances" of the sector.
Jasper Lindell
Jasper Lindell joined The Canberra Times in 2018. He is a Legislative Assembly reporter, covering ACT politics and government. He also writes about development, transport, heritage, local history, literature and the arts, as well as contributing to the Times' Panorama magazine. He was previously a Sunday Canberra Times reporter.
Jasper Lindell joined The Canberra Times in 2018. He is a Legislative Assembly reporter, covering ACT politics and government. He also writes about development, transport, heritage, local history, literature and the arts, as well as contributing to the Times' Panorama magazine. He was previously a Sunday Canberra Times reporter.
