The funding will support the day-to-day operations of SAM and will not increase over the term of the agreement.
The motion was read by Cr Rod Schubert, who said SAM was a nationally recognised regional arts destination and “it’s an economic driver”.
The museum generated $26 million of economic activity in the 2024-25 financial year and is currently hosting two works from Pablo Picasso in the Facing Modernity: Degas to Picasso exhibition.
Later in the year, SAM will become the only place outside NSW to host the 2026 Archibald Prize.
Cr Sam Spinks said she recognised that while the money spent on SAM was often seen as a lot, in comparison to what was spent on sports, it was appropriate for other community members to have “a space where they can be celebrated and invested in”.
The original plans for the museum would have seen it operate independently; however, this has not been achieved.
Mayor Shane Sali said that the current agreement put a councillor on SAM’s board for oversight and encouraged “a culture of spending less”.
Cr Sali said the funding came with big expectations and was “not a blank cheque”.
“We want to continue to see blockbuster exhibitions into the future,” he said.
