Live Performance Australia welcomes Federal budget funding while continuing to push for theatre tax incentives

May 15, 2024

While Live Performance Australia has welcomed the Federal Government’s budget commitment to the Australian live arts and entertainment industry and their training bodies, LPA urge the Federal Government to consider the opportunity to boost investment in Australia’s live theatre sector through a scheme of tax incentives to offset production costs.

The Federal budget provides a welcome and much-needed funding boost for the creative and cultural training institutions with Evelyn Richardson, Chief Executive of Live Performance Australia noting “our training institutions, known as the ‘Arts 8’ play a vital role in developing the potential of our next generation of performers, creators, production and technical workers.

“A vibrant, diverse and successful Australian creative and cultural industry requires a workforce with the skills to take up current and emerging opportunities to create, produce and present work that engages and entertains audiences at home and globally.

“LPA has consistently advocated for more investment in skills and training for our live arts and entertainment industry.”

LPA also welcomes the $8.6 million to support the Australian live music industry as it continues to navigate a challenging operating environment for artists, promoters and venues.

Increased funding for the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and the Darwin Symphony Orchestra will help to broaden their impact and engagement with audiences as well as provide more opportunity for musicians to build their careers.

Richardson added “Public investment in the performing arts delivers overwhelming social, economic and cultural benefits for all Australians.

“As the Albanese Government looks to attract more business investment to Australia in key industries through its ‘Future Made in Australia’ initiative, we urge it to consider the opportunity to boost investment in our live theatre sector through a scheme of tax incentives to offset production costs.

“‘Australia’s live theatre makers and producers are competing with the US and UK for investment capital.

“A Live Theatre Tax Offset could support more Australian made theatre, including original works by Australian creators telling our stories, creating more jobs and export opportunities for hundreds of companies across Australia. Incentives for our screen and digital games industries have delivered significant benefits.

“‘These incentives would be a real game changer, driving new investment in the creativity and capability of our live theatre sector on and off our stages and bringing more new works and Australian stories to audiences in theatres around the country.”

14th May 2024 - Federal Government budget favours arts, sport and tourism along with $3.4 billion commitment to Brisbane Olympics

14th May 2024 - Planned South Australian cultural centre unlikely to receive funding in Federal budget

7th May 2024 - Creative Australia releases new report showing difficulties for professional artists to make a living

10th April 2024 - Creative Australia report outlines role of music festival sector and the challenges it faces

5th March 2024 - Live Performance Australia calls for tax incentives to boost Australian theatre investment

19th December 2023 - LPA ‘sets the record straight’ on new performers collective agreement

17th June 2023 - Live Performance Australia welcomes passage of Creative Australia legislation

10th May 2023 - Arts and tourism industry groups give varied response to 2023 Federal budget

27th March 2023 - Live Performance Australia welcomes new NSW Government

30th January 2023 - Live Performance Australia and Australian Live Music Business Council among stakeholders welcoming new National Cultural Policy

7th December 2022 - Live Performance Australia calls for national skills and careers pathway for live arts and entertainment industry

24th May 2022 - LPA looks forward to productive partnership with incoming Federal Government

11th May 2022 - Industry bodies unite to release plan for next Federal Government to back live music

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