Sunday, 24 May 2020

The Show Will Go On!

Tourism leaders have applauded the NSW government for its commitment to supporting the cultural and entertainment industries with today’s announcement of a $50m support fund.

Margy Osmond CEO of the Tourism and Transport Forum said today that the arts and cultural sector are too often the unsung heroes of the tourism industry providing great experiences and compelling reasons to revisit destinations all over the country.

“The NSW government has shown a real understanding of this need by committing this cash to a sector crippled by Covid19. The performing arts in particular will continue to suffer as social distancing not only impacts audience numbers but affects the capacity for companies to rehearse and prepare productions.

The projected funding will ensure the potential survival and futures of some of the most loved and admired cultural institutions across New South Wales.

“In these incredibly difficult times the need for the community to escape into imagination, beauty and thought provoking performances and exhibitions has never been more important.

“This funding will also assist regional arts organisations and the ever important capacity for mainstream companies to bring performances and exhibitions to regional New South Wales.

“The live music industry in particular has suffered badly during the current crisis and this support may help sustain this sector while the ban on numbers beyond 50 in venues is addressed in coming months.

“The arts and cultural community has been devasted over the last 3 months and this timely and thoughtful response from the New South Wales government should set the benchmark for other State governments and Canberra, Ms Osmond said.

ENDS

Media Contact: Graeme Moses at gmoses@ttf.org.au or 0434 569 470