Australia spends more than $360 million to help preserve cultural institutions

National Library of Australia. (Source: canberratimes.com.au)

The Australian government has earmarked part of its federal budget to help the country's leading cultural institutions pull themselves out of disrepair.

In statements on April 5, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Arts Minister Tony Burke announced that the 2023-2024 federal budget will include funding worth 535.3 million Australian dollars (equivalent to 361.4 million USD) to preserve nine National Collection Institutions (NCIs).

Of the nine funded museums, archives and galleries, seven are located in the Australian Capital Territory, holding approximately 54 million objects.

Cultural organisations in Australia have long complained about a lack of funding that prevents them from maintaining ageing buildings despite their cultural significance.

According to the plan, the above funding will be provided to Australian cultural organizations such as the National Film and Sound Archive, the National Gallery, the National Library, the National Museum...

Prime Minister Albanese said that in addition to the above funding, the government also set out clear supervision regulations for works of art at NCIs to ensure they do not continue to fall into disrepair.

Speaking to the media, the Australian Prime Minister emphasized: “I want all Australians to be able to visit, enjoy and learn from these cultural institutions for many years to come. These are special places and we should be proud of them. These places preserve, protect and celebrate Australia’s stories and history.”

VNA