Do you stand with the arts?

Last week, many key arts organisations took a stand for National Day of Action for the Arts. In response to deep funding cuts from the Australia Council that recently left 65 arts companies in dire financial straits, artists and arts enthusiasts from across the visual and performing arts community posted support on social media, sent out newsletters and attended protests, such as the one outside the office of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Some theatre companies in Sydney – including Sydney Theatre Company – even closed performances with a statement about the impact of funding cuts.

Now, for this week and next week in the lead up to the election on July 2, various artists, theatre-makers and arts organisations are urging the public to sign a petition that will be delivered to Minister for the Arts Senator Mitch Fifield.

The letter states, “Art changes lives. As an Australian arts lover, I stand up for the arts and strongly oppose the dramatic funding cuts and changes made by the government over the last three years.”

It continues, “In our country, the arts employ more people than agriculture, construction or mining and the creative industries generate $50 billion for the Australian economy. Independent artists and organisations are the backbone of arts in Australia, generating new ideas and new talent. Artists are the innovators of our nation.”

The letter lays out the dramatic hit the arts community took on May 13, pointing out that half of previously supported small to medium arts companies did not receive funding. “These cuts will result in job losses and will have flow on effects across our cultural industries, educational institutions and the commercial sector,” it explained.

The petition concluded by urging Fifield to address these concerns and “support a strong arts policy for our nation.” To sign the petition, visit www.change.org.