Independent art survives with injection

CREATIVE organisations like the Ballarat International Foto Biennale will be financially supported by a State government cash boot.

Within the $16.8 million package, 100 independent arts and cultural bodies will share in a Strategic Investment Fund of $13 million that aims to stabilise projects, limit job losses, help creatives produce works and generate collaborative community programs through and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

BIFB artistic director, Fiona Sweet gratefully welcomed the support from Creative Victoria.

“It’s a much-needed injection of funding in order for us to continue to present, and work with, photographers from the Ballarat region,” she said.

“The arts have a huge economic impact, more so in a regional city like Ballarat, however funding for the arts has always been much less than its impact.”

Ms Sweet said BIFB offers the city more than just a cultural experience, as it benefits artists, cafes, bars and hotels while entertaining photography lovers.

“Last festival in 2019, we had over $17 million worth of direct and indirect economic impact to the town.

“In this time of pandemic where sponsorships and donors are not guaranteed, and people are doing it really hard, without this money the opportunities would not be there to continue doing the work we’re doing. It’s critical,” she said.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison said the package would save jobs and create opportunities for “important” regional cultural organisations.

“I am pleased that Ballarat International Foto Biennale and Clunes Booktown festival are among the beneficiaries, as they are significant contributors to Ballarat’s cultural fabric, as well as supporting our local economy,” she said.