Georges River Council will advocate to the NSW Government for COVID-19 recovery support of local government run art organisations.
The motion, which was put forward by Councillor Nancy Liu at Council's meeting on 22 June, highlighted the challenges faced by local governments in supporting a local arts and cultural sector impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Councillor Liu said the cancellation of Council's community events and large-scale public art projects was resulting in a loss of income that could have detrimental effects on the council's ability to support local art at its current capacity.
"The $50 million Rescue and Restart stimulus package released on 24 May 2020 for NSW arts and cultural organisations needs to support the recovery of Local Government run arts organisations," Councillor Liu said.
"Council plays a key role in supporting and nurturing the growth of the local art scene in the Georges River area.
"From the Hurstville Museum and Gallery's exhibitions and programs to our Artist in Residence Program at Carss Park, and our public art initiatives, as an organisation we do considerable work with local artists who depend on our support and the support from the state and federal governments."
The need to advocate for arts is central to Council's vision outlined in the recently completed Create Georges River Cultural Strategy, which sets the strategic focus for Council to deliver on its commitment to developing and supporting the arts and culture over the next ten years.
Council's vision for a robust and sustainable art and culture scene is built on community participation, which is fostered through the support networks that the council provides.
