The 2012-13 ACT Budget continues the ACT Labor Government's investment in the arts, with a focus this year on improving services and amenities at some of our most important community arts facilities, Arts Minister Joy Burch said today.

I am pleased to deliver in this Budget a range of funding initiatives that will support some of Canberra's key arts facilities to grow, to offer improved amenities to patrons and performers, and to ensure that our city remains a hub of creativity and artistic endeavour.

The 2012-13 ACT Budget provides:

â–º $2 million for a capital upgrade of the Tuggeranong Arts Centre, which will allow for the internal building layout to be re-designed and provide a new gallery, a new multi-purpose space, a new dance studio and improvements for the existing dance studio and performance spaces.

â–º $3.1 million for Canberra Theatre Centre (CTC) upgrades, including new seating for the Playhouse and Courtyard Studio, improved backstage amenities, new captioning screens and energy efficiency improvements. The upgrades will help ensure the CTC remains the region's premier performance arts centre.

â–º The Lanyon Heritage Precinct will feature more events, increased community use of the former Nolan Gallery Building and expanded garden-based programs through an injection of $230,000 over three years. The expansion is based on recent community consultation.

â–º The opportunities for arts and artists in Belconnen are set to increase with $300,000 for a feasibility study and forward design to kick off Stage 2 of the Belconnen Arts Centre development. Since opening in 2009 the Belconnen Arts Centre has served as a hub for arts and cultural activity, and this workwill lay the foundation for an expansion of this valuable community asset.

These arts facilities are a vital part of our community, acting as hubs of cultural activity and meeting places, and providing opportunities for talented local artists to develop and showcase their work. This investment recognises the important role that art plays in our community, and builds on the ACT Labor Government's strong record of delivering for Canberra's dynamic arts community and supporting our emerging artists.