Decision details

The original motion was moved by Councillor Scott, seconded by Councillor Ellsmore.  

It is resolved that: 

(A)        Council note:

(i)           NSW Arts Minister John Graham MLC recently launched the NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Policy for 2024-2033;

(ii)         this 10-year policy outlines a framework for existing organisations and institutions, highlighting their crucial role in the state’s cultural infrastructure and sites of excellence;

(iii)        many of these organisations and institutions, including but not only the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, are facing serious financial pressures, in part due to insufficient funding from the Commonwealth and NSW Governments which are and should be their major source of public funding;

(iv)        Commonwealth and NSW Government funded cultural organisations and institutions are however able to apply for funding under the City’s Grants and Sponsorships Policy and Guidelines;

(v)         several Commonwealth and NSW Government funded cultural organisations and institutions have received cash grants and sponsorships from the City, primarily for specific projects and activities, or to assist with or promote specific projects and activities through value in kind banner pole or venue hire grants, including:

(a)         Art Gallery of NSW;

(b)         Australian Museum;

(c)         National Maritime Museum;

(d)         Museums of History; and

(e)         Powerhouse Museum; and

(vi)        the City has also provided one off grants (as opposed to ongoing operational funding) to Commonwealth and NSW Government funded cultural organisations and institutions, including $1 million in 2008 towards the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia’s capital works expansion project; and

(B)        the Lord Mayor be requested to write to the Minister for the Arts requesting the NSW Government ensures that all cultural institutions and organisations playing a crucial role in NSW’s cultural life receive the funding needed to fulfill their important role and optimise their full potential.

The amended motion was carried unanimously.

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