The federal government has announced the seventh batch of grant recipients as part of the RISE funding program. Launched in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s decimation of Australia’s arts industry, the overall $200 million of grants, spread across the now seven batches of recipients, has aimed to reinvigorate the sector and save organisations from disappearing entirely. Though yet to be confirmed, it is currently unclear if this will be the final batch of recipients as the Federal government heads into an election season.

State Opera South Australia Artistic Director Stuart Maunder and Antoinette Halloran. Image supplied.

“Today’s announcement takes to $200 million the funding that has been committed under RISE. It has gone to 541 projects, creating more than 213,000 jobs across Australia, to be seen by a total audience of 55 million people,” said Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher on Tuesday.

Among the recipients of the recent round of grants totalling $20 million are City Recital Hall, Sydney ($390,000) for a new contemporary music program; The Darwin Festival ($482,400) for a 2022 festival...