The State Govt's $16.8m Arts Survival package is very welcome. This will make an important difference in the months ahead to non-government arts orgs. In lieu of any new funding from the Commonwealth, however, we need to be realistic about what is still needed.

All Vic independent organisations have already lost funds many times more than the recovery funds announced today. Many artists - including many who practice in association with the arts orgs funded today - are not picked up by JobKeeper.

Arts sector funding comes from all three levels of Government in Australia. The Commonwealth has been reallocating funds within the Australia Council's funding envelope, but new funding is absent. (Compare with Germany, who announced a national €50 billion package on 25 March.)

Funding for major orgs may still be the subject of further announcements from Cth and State it seems, but there's much more work to be done to ensure a healthy arts ecosystem after the pandemic, including for small, medium and independent organisations and networks.

Thank you again to Minister Foley and the State Government for emergency funding announced today. It is an important first step and a good start.

The Age had the story today:
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/cash-down-payment-to-rescue-victoria-s-devastated-arts-sector-20200425-p54n6f.html

ArtsHub last night: https://www.artshub.com.au/news-article/news/covid-19/richard-watts/victorian-government-announces-168-million-arts-survival-package-260260