CHRIS Bourke has welcomed today’s announcement that local arts organisations Canberra Glassworks, Craft ACT and national organisation Arts Monthly will share in nearly $1.3 million in funding over the next four years from the Australia Council for the Arts.

“Canberra’s success in this nationally competitive funding program is a demonstration of the vitality and strength of our arts sector and it is fantastic to see our local organisations recognised,” Chris said.

“This is the first time the Canberra Glassworks has received multi-year funding from the Australia Council, and I would like to congratulate them on this achievement.

“As the only arts centre in Australia that is entirely dedicated to contemporary glass art, the Canberra Glassworks is one of Canberra’s premier arts facilities, and I am delighted that it has received national recognition from the Australia Council.

“Craft ACT Craft and Design Centre provides a unique service to craft and design practitioners and audiences in Canberra and the region and this boost in funding to more than double the current amount is testament to the professional program on offer.

“Today’s announcement shows that our arts sector is valued nationally, and this Australia Council funding will strengthen the sector by enabling longer term planning, more ambitious programming and collaborations, and new opportunities to engage with audiences.

“There is ongoing change occurring with the arts sector locally and nationally, and while we congratulate the three ACT based organisations who will receive funding, it is obviously disappointing that some local organisations were not successful with multi-year organisational funding from the Australia Council.

“Despite missing out on multi-year organisational funding, there are opportunities to apply for multi-year project funding through the Australia Council’s Project Fund, and we would certainly encourage local organisations to apply.

“We are committed to working with the Australia Council and the sector during this period of change, and to support our local organisations to take advantage of future funding opportunities.”

The Australia Council’s Four Year Funding program is a new model of funding which for the first time allowed the Australian Council to consider all arts organisations across all art forms at the same time. It also gave new organisations access to funding, and ensured organisations currently funded were meeting the Australia Council’s strategic objectives.

The program is a critical part of its commitment to foster a vibrant and sustainable arts sector. 128 small and medium arts organisations will be supported by an investment of approximately $28 million.