NSW arts institutions face concerning budget cuts.

NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin has appeared before the state’s 2020-2021 NSW Budget Estimates hearings. 

His answers to questions paint a bleak forward forecast for certain NSW cultural institutions.

The Berejiklian government managed to find $1.8 billion for record spending on capital works for many Sydney and regional venues. However, it has not shown the same keenness to boost artistic industries. 

Mr Harwin revealed the Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW) could lose up to $9 million a year, the Australian Museum (AM) will lose $13 million, the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) will lose $10 million, and the Sydney Living Museums (SLM) will lose $5 million.

The Public Service Association (PSA) has warned that the persistent cuts to arts funding could leave the state’s cultural institutions as “empty and expansive mausoleums”.

“The NSW Government's plan to slash more than $37 million in funding from the state's cultural institutions will see huge staff cuts, cripple their ability to deliver world class exhibitions, and leave them empty, the union is warning,” the PSA said in a statement this week.

If the cuts put forth in budget estimates are taken up by the Treasurer, the rts sector will feel major impacts.

The AGNSW will more than double its footprint with the completion of Sydney Modern in 2022, but faces a $9 million cut over in coming years, potentially hampering its work to increase programming, staffing and facility operational costs.

It is estimated that AGNSW will nee around $14 million extra a year.

It is a similar situation for the Australian Museum, which recently completed a $57 million redevelopment of its galleries and public spaces, but faces a $13 million loss in funding.

The Sydney Opera House faces a reduction in funding amid ongoing capital works, which include a $236 million retrofit of the Concert Hall.

“Budgets for the 2021-22 financial year have not yet been approved,” Mr Harwin said.

However, the estimates are tabled as workable estimates.

“NSW has just invested a huge amount of money in overdue upgrades to these cultural institutions, but now the building works are over the government is cutting them off at the knees, making it impossible to deliver on the potential of these new spaces,” the PSA said. 

“NSW needs its cultural institutions. We need them to help drive our domestic tourism … We shouldn't just rely on the private sector and hospitality to deliver us entertainment – we should invest in our own world-leading museums so we can enjoy the rich and diverse offerings we have on our doorstep.”