Cirrus@Austlit

'Theatres and art galleries around the country are on high alert after the NSW Government decision to withhold an annual grant from Australia's biggest multi-arts venue, Carriageworks, forcing it to appoint administrators.' (Introduction)

'Long-running soap opera Neighbours is about to go back into production following the COVID-19 shutdown — but it will be a very different environment on set.'

'Already cash-strapped in the face of coronavirus, Australia's arts sector says it's been further devastated after dozens of organisations lost federal funding.'

'Almost 20 years before Australia and England faced-off in the first-ever Ashes battle, it was an all-Indigenous XI from Western Victoria who paved the way.' (Introduction)

'National arts funder the Australia Council for the Arts was recently re-launched with a new headquarters and a fresh strategy: "Creativity Connects Us".'

'Period drama The Nightingale has taken out the best film category at the 2019 AACTA Awards, as the industry honoured veteran actor Sam Neill.' (Summary)

'The curtain call for a new play about the fabled Packer dynasty is instructive.' (Summary)

'Diversity has finally triumphed in Australian live entertainment, with key categories of the 19th Helpmann Awards going to a Sri Lankan immigrant family saga and a rollicking Indigenous musical.' (Introduction)

'Among six books shortlisted for the nation's most prestigious literary prize is Michael Mohammed Ahmad's The Lebs.' (Introduction)

'Investing money in musicals is risky business, but the caravan king behind a new tour of the stage musical Muriel's Wedding isn't just out to make cash.'  (Article summary)

'The man who profoundly shaped the modern era at Sydney's flagship art gallery, Edmund Capon, has died in England aged 78.'  (Article summary)

'Two senior NSW Government ministers ignored expert advice and approved unworthy projects in Coalition-held seats for part of a $100 million regional art fund ahead of the state election.' (Article summary)

'Some of the biggest names in Australian screen have used the red carpet of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) awards to send subtle messages to politicians and the wider industry, but Nicole Kidman had a message for moviegoers.' (Introduction)

'Sydney's Powerhouse Museum is about to get its fourth leader in five and a half years, with Carriageworks boss Lisa Havilah appointed to the top job.' 

'One of Australia's most prolific writers, Peter Corris, has died in his sleep at the age of 76.'

'One of Australia's greatest painters of the human condition, Charles Blackman, has died in Sydney surrounded by family a week after celebrating his 90th birthday.'  (Introduction)

'Some of Australia's most prestigious arts companies — Bangarra, Australian Theatre for Young People and Australian Chamber Orchestra — have cancelled tours to regional New South Wales, after the state's arts funding agency delivered the lowest funding round in its history.'  (Introduction)

'A pioneering promoter who cut his teeth on rock 'n' roll before revolutionising musical theatre with Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar, Harry M Miller has been celebrated as the impresario who wrote the rule book on Australian live entertainment.'  (Introduction)

'Only one woman has been recognised in the best director categories in this year's Helpmann Awards, revealing the live performance industry's prevailing bias towards male directors.'  (Introduction)