When arts funding rises, why is literature being cut?
A statement on the defunding of the ACT's key literary organisation
State of the Arts: Marion
The ACT Government has announced a 25% increase in arts funding. At the same time, MARION — the ACT Writeres Centre, which has supported writers in Canberra and the region for more than 30 years — including myself, with an Anne Edgeworth Fellowship and other prizes - has had its funding allocation reduced by 35%, to just $150,000 - less than 2% of ACT Government’s Arts Organisation Investment Program.
Literary organisations shape writing culture. They do this becuase they create opportunities and work; they connect writers with readers and provide pathways to publication. MARION creates space for marginalised, divergent and emerging voices, connecting important, often unheard voices with editors, mentors, publishers, festivals, audiences and booksellers.
This literary community has clearly demonstrated both its cultural and economic value: Canberra region writers have been recognised by some of Australia’s major literary awards, including the Miles Franklin, Children’s Book Council awards, the NSW State Library’s biography award and the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards.
So what would sustainable funding look like? By MARION’s own estimates, just $300,000 per year over four years. The current allocation is half that.
What I would like to know is why a 25% increase in arts funding across the board coincides with a 35% reduction for the region’s principal literary development organisation.
I’m looking forward to hearing back from you:
Michael Pettersson MLA — Minister for the Arts, Creative Industries and Night-time Economy
Rebecca Kite — Director, Arts Programs, artsACT
Teresa Comacchio — Acting Executive Branch Manager, artsACT