News

Alarming cost increases for arts organisations not in-line with funding levels

How many more arts organisations will have to cancel or reduce their programming under the weight of rising costs?

30 Apr 2024

Jo Pickup

A silhouette of a person setting up a stage in a darkened space with rigging and a lit-up screen projection behind them.

Performing Arts

Setting up? Or packing down? The rising costs of presenting arts events is posing new threats to arts organisations. Photo: Bence Szemerey, Pexels.

In recent weeks, a concerning number of arts programs have announced they are cancelling their events or are shutting down for good.

Castlemaine State Festival has gone into voluntary administration, Australian music festival Splendour in the Grass has cancelled its 2024 program (announced just days after its tickets went on sale), and regional music festival Groovin’ the Moo has done likewise.

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Jo Pickup

ArtsHub's Arts Feature Writer Jo Pickup is based in Perth. An arts writer and manager, she has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for media such as the ABC, RTRFM and The West Australian newspaper, contributing media content and commentary on art, culture and design. She has also worked for arts organisations such as Fremantle Arts Centre, STRUT dance, and the Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of WA, as well as being a sessional arts lecturer at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).