Abstract The arts environment in Australia has always been tenuous in terms of financial stability and working conditions for artists. The dance sector in Australia appears to be the most fragile part of the arts sector, consistently receiving lower funding than literature, music, theatre and visual arts. This paper looks at these issues focusing on both Bangarra Dance Theatre and One Extra Company.
Outline
Introduction
Background of Bangarra
Background of One Extra
Funding
One Extra and Bangarra Funding
Sponsorship
Working Conditions
Mid Career Artists
Creative Output of Australian Work
Artistic Vibrancy
Conclusion
From the Paper "Funding available from the NSW Ministry for the Arts for dance is the fifth lowest nationally. (Fishel, D. et al, 2004, p50) The states which receive less state funding for dance are the states with the smallest populations (South Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania and Northern Territory) and two don't have permanent dance companies (ACT & Tas). It seems illogical that NSW, a state with multiple dance companies and a large population, receives only a small amount more than these states and territories."