Shadow Minister for Arts Jayne Stinson will visit Port Pirie art institutions today on a fact finding mission about the impact of huge budget cuts on the regional arts sector.
The Marshall Liberal Budget saw $31.9 million of cuts slated in the next four years and the dismantling of Arts SA, which works to support regional arts and artists.
The Marshall Liberal Government promised a comprehensive new Arts Plan but has instead slashed the sector before coming up with any strategy or consulting artists.
The only sign of funding is $1 million for routine maintenance across three regional theatres (including the Northern Festival Centre). But it turns out this will simply pay for fire protection work to ensure the buildings aren’t shut down - or burn down.
Premier and Arts Minister Steven Marshall has repeatedly dodged Labor’s questions on these cuts, glibly responding that the future of arts is subject to ‘review’.
In addition, Country Arts SA has recently axed funding of $10 000 a year for a part-time Project Officer at the Regional Galleries Association due to its own budget cuts.
Cutting this already minimal funding will have wide ranging ramifications for the entire regional arts sector – including arts institutions in Port Pirie.
Quotes Attributable to Shadow Minister for the Arts Jayne Stinson
Engaging in art – as an artist or arts lover – is a vital part of everyone’s life. It’s so important that regional South Australians can experience the arts – just like city dwellers do.
I want to hear from people in Port Pirie and other regional centres to determine the impact the Marshall Liberal Government’s cruel $31.9 million arts cuts will have on regional SA.
Simply stopping theatres from burning down or being shut down is not an arts policy.
I urge the Premier to remember our regions and restore funding for regional arts.
Ms Stinson will also be supporting regional arts by attending the State Theatre Company’s World Premiere of ‘The Gods of Strangers’. The play is set in 1947 and tells the story of Greek and Italian migrants who move to Port Pirie.
Ms Stinson will be visiting the Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery at 2pm and Northern Festival Centre in Port Pirie at 3pm on Saturday 10 November, 2018 and is available for photos/further comment.