Excellent news for the arts and culture sector in the ACT with an increase of 25% into the arts grants portfolio announced by Minister Michael Pettersson. Childers has advocated for this increase over the past years and the announcement is part of an election promise from the Labor party at the last territory election.

From the Government media release

” Canberra’s artists, arts organisations and creative industries help define who we are as a city. This budget, we’re delivering on our election commitment to increase investment in arts organisations by 25%.

We’re doing this to support the artists and arts organisations who keep our city’s cultural heart beating and to support more Canberrans to access arts activities and events.

This ongoing funding will provide certainty to local artists, creatives and organisations to plan, invest and grow, delivering a strong pipeline of new work – strengthening the cultural and economic benefits our local sector provides.

The Budget will provide a structural uplift in funding, representing an investment of over $8 million.

Supporting a thriving and sustainable arts sector not only facilitates the creation of local jobs, it also benefits the community through greater access to diverse, high-quality arts, entertainment and creative experiences.”

Media link here : https://www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/open_government/inform/act_government_media_releases/michael-pettersson-mla-media-releases/2026/2026-27-budget-delivering-for-canberras-artists-and-creative-industries