Ausdance QLD Calls for Increased Federal Investment in Dance Sector
9 November 2023 – Ausdance QLD, the peak body for dance in Queensland, is calling on the federal Government to commit to broader investment in the Australian dance sector.
In Australia, nearly 700,000 adults and children participate in organized dance activities each week. In fact, more children dance in Queensland than play AFL. However, there is no consistent and strategic federal funding for a dance peak body.
“It doesn't make sense to support music, literature, visual arts, and theatre but miss out dance entirely, when dance is such an intrinsic part of so many people's lives,” says Ausdance QLD Executive Director, Julie Englefield.
“Essential sector services like professional development, Cultural development, training, advocacy, support for safety and diversity, and mentoring for organisations, small businesses, and companies are simply not adequately provided to our dance sector,” said Ms. Englefield.
This statement follows Queensland Ballet Company’s call for increased federal investment in its own operations. Although Ausdance QLD endorses the pursuit for equitable federal funding, it underscores that this represents only one facet of a broader dialogue around funding equity and accessibility.
“The dance sector, from individual artists to small and larger businesses, from remote Queensland to central Brisbane, is feeling burnt out from the constant need to raise funds and prepare complex and competitive grant applications, which often only support limited aspects and organisations in the industry.
“Valuable projects are often overlooked due to bureaucratic hurdles and KPI requirements of grant applications. For many in our sector, particularly essential grassroots First Nations dance companies, this process is nearly impossible to navigate,” explained Ms. Englefield.
“We are missing out on crucial investments, to mention a few, in youth dance training initiatives and companies and initiatives, in First Nations dance, and in peak bodies across all States to support the sector’s needs.”
Ms. Englefield said the issue of federal funding was discussed recently at Ausdance QLD’s National Dance Gathering, a dance leaders’ meeting hosted in Brisbane in September.
At this gathering, 53 members of the dance sector, including 12 First Nations dance professionals, met to discuss solutions around a range of national dance issues.
Ms. Englefield noted the following recommendations from the discussion:
Establish a comprehensive cross-government investment strategy to eliminate any gaps in funding support for the entire dance ecosystem.
Ensure that funding allocations keep pace with inflation and economic fluctuations by increasing funding at least by the Consumer Price Index each year.
Improve and streamline grant application and reporting processes by actively involving the dance sector (not just currently funded companies). Review accessibility and consider removing impractical bureaucratic hurdles; Enhance the knowledge of grant assessment panel members so they understand the realities of working 'on the ground'.
Boost investment in advocacy and independent service organisations like Ausdance to provide essential support the sector. These organisations can advocate for priority needs, administer grants for independent/disadvantaged individuals/organisations, and, where feasible, offer auspicing services as a general support for the sector.
“Increased federal investment, equitably distributed across States and artforms, is crucial for the long-term sustainability and growth of the dance sector in Australia. This responsibility cannot rest solely on the shoulders of individual States but requires a unified national approach, particularly as we look towards Olympics 2032.
“By then, we need a capable, thriving, and connected dance community to showcase truly unique performances, competitors and facilities,” said Ms. Englefield. “Dance is a ‘sport’ in the Paris Olympics 2024, and Australians will be competing, yet we have done almost nothing to support their development.”
About Ausdance QLD
Ausdance QLD is the peak body for dance in Queensland. We support the development of dance in Queensland through advocacy, professional development, information services, and networking opportunities. Ausdance QLD has approximately 1,700 members across the State, 67% of whom work in regional, rural or remote areas.
Ausdance QLD is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Julie Englefield, Executive Director, Ausdance QLD