It’s been over 100 years since the country was locked down due to COVID-19. All arts and cultural places had to be shut down, and the skills were shut down due to the necessity to disengage from society.

On the 19th of March, just three days following the lockdown, Federal Arts Minister Paul Fletcher convened a meeting with state ministers of the arts to discuss the dire situation of thousands of unemployed artists.

In the middle of March, we waited for an announcement from the Federal government to offer specific forms of assistance. We already know that the industry brings enormous economic value to our country, as the government has released statistics declaring this.

We were waiting.

However, aside from the announcement in April that included A$27 million to regional artists and indigenous visual arts organizations and mental health, the federal government has made no announcements until now.

A new directed package included in the JobMaker scheme was allocated $250 million. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said

Our JobMaker plan is to get the show going to help their workers get back on the job … It’s a program that is just about helping those who build stage sets or computer technicians who develop the latest effects and also helping actors and performers in big productions.

It is emphasized in this statement that the workers working in the “creative” economy aren’t only “artistic” types, but they are more appealing “workers.”

Read more: Government unveils $250 million for ‘creative economy‘WWhat’sin it for the sector?

There are five components to the bundle:

• $75 million in grant competitive funding, which will provide funding for events in the performing arts. (Seed Investment)
• 90 million dollars in loans at concessional rates made through commercial banks to support new productions and to assist in creating jobs (Show the Loans)
• $50 million for local production of television and film and is administered through Screen Australia (Kick Start)
• $35 million for financial aid to assist significant Arts and Culture organizations funded by the Commonwealth to be administered through the Australia Council (Supporting Sustainability)
• A Creative Economy Taskforce to partner with the government and the Australia Council to implement the JobMaker plan to create a creative economy.

Though welcome, the package prefers more significant events, major arts organizations (read organizations included in the primary framework for performing arts), and film and TV production.

The packages are expected to increase employment opportunities for artists and other artists for a long time. Small or medium-sized arts groups will likely benefit from the boxes based on how these packages are described.

IIt’sgreat that the federal government has accepted the pleas of the arts industry for assistance. It’s a shame that it’s been so long in the making and does not acknowledge the vastness of the industry.

In the press announcement, Fletcher states that the Federal government provides 100 million dollars each month to support the art and culture sector via the JobKeeper program and other cash flow aid programs. The exact amount of this assistance is difficult to estimate.

Minister Paul Fletcher met with state ministers of the arts in March. He spoke yesterday about ABC cuts. AAP/Joel Carrett

We know many artists and art workers we could note JobKeeper. Many artists have been caught in the cracks in both programs due to the nature of work in this sector that relies on contracts for short-term employment and, often, several types of work.

Read more: The government says artists should be able to access JobKeeper payments. It’s not more complex.

While aware of these anomalies, the government rejected a move by the Greens to widen eligibility for JobKeeper.

State support

Every state has offered an additional amount of assistance for the arts. However, some offer much more than other states.

Both Victoria, Queensland, and, more recently, New South Wales have provided generous assistance to artists and individuals. So far, South Australia and Western Australia have given only a tiny amount of support.