Cultural flood to artistic desert

of more than $8 million, an increase of 21 per cent in 2016-17.

“Please keep in mind that next year with the funding from both the council and the State Government, our city will experience a $20 million festival,” Ms Bezzina said.

“That is why in 2019 we are looking for an increase in our funds. Obviously not $20 million but what we are saying to you is that next year our residents will have experienced something of quite a magnitude and we really want to be the hangover cure.”

Arts Centre Gold Coast chairwoman Robyn Archer warned councillors about the experience of Jeff Kennett who on becoming Victorian premier opened several key pieces of arts infrastructure, including a museum.

“Within three months there was an enormous danger that each of those institutions would have to close their doors,” she said.

“Because what he hadn’t done was actually invest in the programming of those places.

“Once they corrected it, once they gave the money for things ... then those places have flourished and made Melbourne the cultural destination today.

“So I suppose the great clue in our ask today is to make sure that you don’t repeat that, that you actually do give the appropriate funding to make this cultural precinct a huge success,” she said.