Theatre Royal independent cinema at Castlemaine has been given a lifeline from the pandemic, with a $35,000 grant under the Morrison Government’s $20 million Supporting Cinemas’ Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) Fund.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the Morrison Government is committed to keep cinemas operation during the pandemic.
“Independent cinemas are so important to the social and cultural health of our communities in Australia, which is why we acted quickly to introduce our $20 million SCREEN Fund,” Minister Fletcher said.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the grants would support the recovery of independent cinemas from significant declines in revenue due to COVID-19.
“I’m pleased to announce that the historic Theatre Royal, the longest continuously operating theatre on the mainland, has been awarded a $35,000 grant as part of the Morrison Government’s $20 million SCREEN Fund,” Senator Henderson said.
“This funding will enable our independent cinemas to keep operating during a period of severe disruption, which is so important to the fabric of our community.”
Administered by Screen Australia, the fund assists independent cinema operators who have experienced significant declines in revenue due to the pandemic, with one-off business continuity grants of up to $85,000.
In recognition of the economic, social and national importance of the cultural and creative sector, the Morrison Government is investing over $1 billion into the arts and creative sector in 2021-22.
SCREEN Fund applications are open until 24 December 2021 or until total funds are committed. For more information on the SCREEN Fund, visit: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/covid-19-support/screen-fund
5 November 2021