Performing Arts, Theatres and Cinemas Assistance Program

One-off financial aid payment to a range of indoor entertainment venues.

As part of the $67 million Level 1 COVID-19 Business Assistance Package, the $1.3 million Performing Arts, Theatres and Cinemas Assistance Program provides a one-off financial aid payment to a range of indoor entertainment venues (i.e. independent performing art venues, theatres cinemas, and live music venues) that have been impacted by capacity constraints introduced to manage the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program the indoor entertainment venues (i.e. independent performing art venues, theatres,  cinemas, and live music venues) must:

  • have a valid and active Australian Business Number for the period covered by their application (ABN)
  • be located in Western Australia (WA)
  • not be owned by local* or State Government
    • *except for performing arts centres that have a Circuitwest membership prior to 1 January 2022.
  • have an annual turnover of more than $50,000 per annum (excluding GST)
  • have an Australia-wide payroll of less than $4 million per annum
  • have incurred a minimum 30 per cent reduction in turnover compared to the previous year* over a 6-week period between 1 January 2022 to 30 April 2022 due to the impact of COVID-19 health and social measures requirements for density limits and social distancing
    • *Note: The equivalent six-week period in the previous calendar year is the preferred comparative period. However, businesses may use the pre-COVID tax year (2018-19) instead. Also, business that have been trading for less than one year can still apply but will need to demonstrate a decline in revenue to another comparable period.
  • be an indoor entertainment venue (i.e independent performing art venues, theatres, cinemas, live music venues or similar).
  • not be a nightclub, bar or public hotel, unless a live music venue
  • if a live music venue stage on average three ticketed live music performances per week
  • have a bank account in the name of the business with an Australian financial institution or bank registered with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority.
  • have not applied for the Event Suppliers program, Nightclub Assistance Program or Getting the Show Back on the Road+.

Funding rounds

Round Open Draft review Close Projects beginning Category
Performing Arts, Theatres and Cinemas Assistance Program 12:00am 25 March 2022 Not applicable 5:00pm 30 June 2022
  • Venues with seating capacity of less than 100
  • Venues with seating capacity of between 100 and 300
  • Venues with seating capacity of greater than 300

Funding overview

Funding closed

Who can apply

Amount available

  • Venues with seating capacity of greater than 300: $50,000
  • Venues with seating capacity of between 100 and 300: $25,000
  • Venues with seating capacity of less than 100: $12,500

Guidelines

You must read the guidelines before submitting an application as they provide essential information.

Performing Arts, Theatres and Cinemas Assistance Program guidelines
Page reviewed 17 June 2025