The Tasmanian Greens today demanded that the Hodgman Liberals reverse their threat to slash funding to the Ten Days on the Island Festival, following confirmation today the Liberals’ position was compromising the organisers’ ability to plan the 2015 event.
Greens’ Arts spokesperson, Cassy O’Connor MP, said the threat of Mr Hodgman’s funding axe had left the festival in limbo.
“The Liberals’ threat to turn the festival from 10 Days on the Island to 5 Days on the Island is more than just an attack on the arts,” Ms O’Connor said.
“It threatens the many millions of dollars the festival generates, along with the jobs and wellbeing of the people living in rural and regional areas who participate in this international arts festival.
“The uncertainty created by the Hodgman Liberals’ policy to slash Ten Days funding in half is making it extremely difficult for festival organizers to plan the 2015 event.
“It means organisers will find it harder to attract the kind of outstanding international acts that have been key to the festival’s success.”
“Given KPMG found that the 2013 Festival generated a $27.25 million economic return for a $2.5 million state investment, it’s money well spent.
“These are the rewards of a creative economy that Mr Hodgman would discard for a saving of just $1.25 million in a $4 billion plus State Budget.”
“Tasmanians are fiercely proud of Ten Days and our creative island economy, so they are entitled to an explanation for Mr Hodgman’s warped economic priorities.”
“The Liberals are continuing to promote a sterile and uninspiring view of Tasmania and its people.”
“Communities from Deloraine, to Zeehan, Georgetown, Ross, Flinders Island and Cygnet have all been part of this outstanding, richly engaging international festival since it’s inception in 2001.”
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Arts Spokesperson
