The Australian Government provides funding and support for Australia's vibrant performing arts sector. Through the Australia Council, the government also supports Australia’s 28 major performing arts companies.

Current consultations

Performing arts Performing arts
Major Performing Arts Framework

We seek your views on how to strengthen the Major Performing Arts Framework, through which the major performing arts companies are supported to develop and present excellent artistic works and foster a vibrant and sustainable performing arts sector.

Started July 19, 2018 10:00 AEST
Ended August 13, 2018 17:00 AEST
Days Remaining 0 of 25
Archived
Performing arts Performing arts
National Opera Review

The Australian Government has released a full response to the recommendations of the National Opera Review Final Report, which examined the artistic vibrancy, financial viability and accessibility of Australia’s major opera companies. The Response to the National Opera Review Final Report and the National Opera Review Final Report are available through the Outcomes tab.

Started September 01, 2015 00:00 AEST
Ended November 30, 2015 00:00 AEDT
Days Remaining 0 of 90
Archived

Contemporary music

The Australian Government supports Australia’s contemporary music industry.
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National elite training...

Through our arts programs, the Australian Government funds the eight national elite training organisations in the performing...
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What's new

Performing arts Performing arts
Second round of live music program opens
The second round of the Live Music Australia program is now open for applications from small to medium venues....
Performing arts Performing arts
Major banks sign on to loan scheme
All four major banks are now participating in the Show Starter Loan Scheme, with National Australia Bank and Westpac Banking...
Performing arts Performing arts
Show Starter Loan Scheme to get the arts back in business
Arts and entertainment entities are now able to apply for the Show Starter Loan Scheme to help them deliver new productions and...
Performing arts Performing arts
Paving the way for live performances to return
A national plan is set to provide more certainty for the arts and entertainment sector.
Read more News >

Funding programs

Performing arts Performing arts
Live Music Australia

Supporting venues to host live Australian music

The Live Music Australia program is a competitive grants opportunity for small to medium sized venues that support quality original Australian live music.

The first year of funding in 2020–21 includes support for activities that assist live music venues to become operational following the impacts of COVID-19 on the industry.

Started December 14, 2020 10:00 AEDT
Ends February 18, 2021 23:45 AEDT
Days Remaining 21 of 67
Open
Performing arts Performing arts
Show Starter Loan Scheme

The Show Starter Loan Scheme is supporting up to $90 million of lending to eligible existing arts and entertainment entities that have been adversely affected by COVID-19. Under the Scheme, the Government is guaranteeing 100% of new loans taken out by eligible arts and entertainment businesses to deliver new productions or events for a live audience. Loans are provided by participating lenders.

Started December 04, 2020 05:00 AEDT
Ends June 16, 2021 23:45 AEST
Days Remaining 139 of 195
Open