NSW needs an Arts Minister and Carriageworks a Rescue Package. Now.
With news of Carriageworks slipping into voluntary administration overnight, the Premier needs to scrap the Powerhouse Museum relocation and save this iconic space, the largest contemporary multi-arts centre in the country, and immediately appoint an Arts Minister who will stand up for the state’s decimated arts sector.
“Carriageworks is a critical part of the cultural fabric of NSW. The only way it can survive through this is by a rescue package from the Government,” said Cate Faehrmann, Greens MP and Arts, Entertainment and Creative Industries spokesperson.
“They can do this by immediately cancelling the $1.5 billion Powerhouse Museum relocation and diverting some of this money into guaranteed funding for Carriageworks. The rest should be spent on keeping the arts and entertainment industries alive through wage subsidies and grants.
“The arts will be vital for getting us through this pandemic and ensuring we have a vibrant and thriving economy post-COVID lockdown. But the sector is on its knees right now and without urgent intervention, might never recover.
“The sector desperately needs an Arts Minister right now who will stand up for them in the face of a Premier who doesn’t seem to give a damn.
“The community won’t let Carriageworks shut down without a fight. The Premier must step in and offer them a lifeline because the community needs the arts now more than ever,” said Ms Faehrmann.
Contact: Ben Cronly 0487 247 960