The Minns Labor Government’s brutal third budget is risking the future of the arts in NSW.

The Arts and Cultural Funding Program, that provides project funding directly to artists as well as multi-year operational funding for arts organisations across the state, was not included in the 2025/26 budget despite receiving $73m last year.

Shadow Minister for the Arts Kevin Anderson said the lack of funding placed at risk the future viability of many arts organisations.

“This program is a lifeline for the arts community, which is rightly concerned about what the future now holds for them,” Mr Anderson said.

“Without the Arts and Cultural Funding Program, large areas of the state would struggle to support the diversity of platforms that make NSW unique, including First Nations arts, classical arts, community arts, dance, digital art, festivals, literature, museums, theatre and visual arts.

“The $73m allocated to the program last year fell well short of what was required, with many applicants including regional galleries and arts development organisations being told there was simply not enough money to go around despite having submitted outstanding applications.

There are also major concerns regarding staffing cuts at Create NSW, which have led to deep concern about the future of the critical Arts and Cultural funding program.

Almost 100 staff will be let go from the agency’s infrastructure division, signalling an end to the Coalition’s building pipeline that delivered museums, galleries, and theatres across the state.

“The arts sector plays a vital economic role, providing thousands of jobs and supporting a diverse workforce across our creative industries but now that is being put at risk,” Mr Anderson said.

“Under the former Liberals and Nationals Government, Create NSW delivered major projects like the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct and Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, but it’s clear Labor has no interest in continuing that legacy.”

“This is not a dress rehearsal, and the Minns Labor Government needs to provide certainty about the future of this crucial funding program.”