South Australia’s vibrant arts scene has received a $1.6 million lift as the SA Government celebrates the inaugural AusArt Day by matching private donations to two leading cultural organisations – Country Arts SA and State Opera.
Under the initiative, Country Arts SA will receive up to $610,000 in government funding over three years, with private donations expected to bring the total to $1.2 million. State Opera will benefit from up to $400,000 in matched support this financial year, strengthening its capacity to deliver major productions and community engagement programs.
The announcement forms part of the Albanese Government’s Revive cultural policy, which aims to boost Australia’s creative industries through philanthropy, and complements South Australia’s own cultural framework, A Place to Create. Together, these initiatives aim to double the impact of private giving while reinforcing the vital role of the arts in communities statewide.
Minister for the Arts Andrea Michaels said AusArt Day provided the perfect opportunity to highlight the state’s commitment to collaboration in the arts.
“It’s fantastic to celebrate the first AusArt Day by announcing that the Malinauskas Government will be matching the private donations made to both Country Arts SA and State Opera,” Michaels said. “These organisations play such important roles in enriching our cultural life — from bringing the arts to regional South Australians, to staging world-class performances like Roméo et Juliette at Her Majesty’s Theatre.”
Michaels encouraged South Australians to show their support.
“The matched support is being provided as part of our new State Cultural Policy to bring together public and private investment in arts, culture and creativity. I encourage people to get behind their favourite artists and arts organisations this AusArt Day.”
Country Arts SA Chief Executive Anthony Peluso said the funding would help broaden opportunities for artists and audiences.
“We are always grateful to our donors and to the audiences who choose to give back when purchasing a ticket to a show,” he said.
“Their generosity helps us engage young people, support regional travel, and create new works. We’re confident our supporters and regional communities will contribute to this ambitious target so we can double our impact for artists and communities across regional South Australia.”
The announcement follows recent funding commitments, including $1.3 million for the Adelaide Festival, adding to the state’s growing arts investment now totalling $160 million since the current government took office.
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