March 23rd, 2022Supporting the arts and recovery

The federal government continues to support the recovery of the arts and entertainment sector in Ballarat with $85,000 awarded to Regent Cinema Central Ballarat under the $20 million Supporting Cinemas’ Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) Fund.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said independent cinemas are a vital component of Australia’s economic, social and cultural wellbeing.

“The government is continuing to provide one-off business continuity grants to support the cinemas resurgence from prolonged closures and capacity restrictions,” Minister Fletcher said.

“We want to keep their doors open, continue offering employment opportunities, and carry on showcasing diverse stories to entertain their communities.”

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the latest grants would allow independent cinema operators to keep providing a popular, low-cost and COVID-safe way for people to go out and enjoy a movie as part of their local community.

Administered by Screen Australia, the Government announced a second round of the SCREEN Fund in December 2021 to support independent cinema operators with grants of up to $85,000 if they have experienced significant declines in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SCREEN Fund applications are open until 30 April 2022 or until total funds are committed. For more information and to check eligibility, visit: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/covid-19-support/screen-fund