NSW Labor has announced that a Daley Labor Government will introduce a $40 million Regional Conservatorium of Music fund to support music and students based outside of Sydney.
The announcement formed part of a wider Arts Policy that will see a doubling of arts funding in regional NSW, helping correct the arts funding imbalance. NSW Labor also announced that it will allocate $15 million for a theatre and playwriting support package.
This is great news for the Wollongong Conservatorium (The Con) which would be eligible for additional funding to support local students.
This is in contrast to the Berejiklian Government spending almost $760 million on five projects in the Sydney CBD while ignoring our region.
NSW Labor has said they will scrap the costly relocation of the Powerhouse Museum and instead direct arts funding to regional NSW.
The Con is a significant centre for arts education and performance in the Illawarra and is open and accessible to all members of the local community.
Quotes Attributable to Shadow Minister for the Illawarra Ryan Park:
“This comprehensive arts policy is great news for the Wollongong Conservatorium that teaches over 1,500 students each week and has been in the operating for more than 40 years.
“I know that it is really important that a city like Wollongong has a strong Conservatorium to provide opportunities for young people to develop their musical ability without having to travel to Sydney.
“The Con has had a significant impact on tens of thousands of students, many going on to have successful careers locally and abroad.
“I will be working with the Con, if elected, to make sure they apply for their share of the $40 million package.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:
“The Con is a great regional facility that has for decades provided the place for aspiring musicians to learn the skills necessary to play musical instruments in the Illawarra – I studied there myself.
“NSW Labor’s policy will provide a dedicated funding package for regional conservatoriums, like Wollongong, to share in necessary funding to continue to support students and the creation of music.
“The Berejiklian Government has failed to recognise the importance that the arts and culture plays in regional areas.”
