As the arts and culture sector continues to adapt and respond to the impact of COVID-19, the Arts Plan is continuing to guide government investment and policy to underpin the sustainability of the sector for the benefit of our community.

Addressing the storage needs for South Australia’s collections, the state government has allocated $86.5 million in the 2020-21 State Budget towards a purpose-built collection storage facility. This includes a capital build plus relocation costs to provide collection storage for the South Australian Museum, Art Gallery of South Australia, State Library of South Australia and the History Trust of South Australia.

There’s also investment in the activation of venues and spaces across the state. The 2020-21 State Budget provides $2.294 million for the Chaffey Theatre (Renmark) fire compliance works and passenger lift installation to provide greater accessibility; and the conversion of the old Varcoe Foundry building adjacent to Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mount Gambier, into a year round artist hub and flexible performance space.

In Adelaide, government is investing in building improvements for the Queen’s Theatre, including conservation/restoration of the façade and installation of supplementary portal frames to improve the flexible and adaptive use of the theatre.

The Adelaide Fringe 2021 venue activation in response to COVID-19 is supported by funding from government’s Arts Recovery Fund. This includes grants for South Australian artists and producers for venue and delivery costs to provide a level of risk mitigation, as well as support for COVID-safe delivery for three major hubs: Gluttony, Garden of Unearthly Delights and the Royal Croquet Club.

Collab’s Digital Cultural Fellowship supports the development of new ways for audiences to discover and experience South Australia’s stories through South Australia’s digital collections. Collab is a joint venture between the South Australian Museum, the History Trust of South Australia, the State Library of South Australia and the Art Gallery of South Australia.

The appointment of David Rathman, AM as Ambassador for the Aboriginal Art and Cultures Centre in development at Lot Fourteen, will help ensure Aboriginal people continue to be represented at all points of the centre’s development and operation

To note other project updates, view the updates per objective on the Recommendations and government’s response page.

Learn more about the arts review and plan for South Australia.