State Government’s record investment in Western Australian arts organisations

May 1, 2023, 09:48 AM

37 Western Australian organisations will receive a total of $56 million in a record-breaking round of the Arts Organisations Investment Program (AOIP).

Funding for AOIP is up from $10.5 million per annum to $14 million per annum and will span a 4-year period.

6 six new entrants are among 37 successful applicants in this competitive funding program, and will receive money distributed from the financial years 2023/24 to 2026/27:

The first AOIP round was in 2016 and the second in 2019. Together those rounds delivered more than $82 million in assistance to small to medium organisations that:

  • create and present high quality, best of its type arts, cultural and creative experiences
  • create work that is original, innovative and authentic that respects cultural tradition, or promotes social awareness and cohesion
  • broaden and deepen community access and engagement in arts, cultural and creative experiences
  • reflect the diversity of the State through telling Western Australian stories
  • have strong connections with, and presence in, communities increasing the reach, depth and diversity of audience engagement
  • collaborate with others to create new sustainable ways of working together
  • leverage opportunities and funding from a range of sources and partners to develop and operate in a financially, environmentally and socially sustainable way.

Applications to AOIP are assessed by an independent advisory panel of highly skilled and experienced WA arts, culture, and creativity sector members, including a First Nations voice.

AOIP is delivered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC). More information and a list of recipients is available on the DLGSC website.

The next AOIP round will be 2027 to 2031, with applications due to open in early August 2026.