Arts and entertainment industry grants should start flowing to successful applicants before the end of 2020, according to Communication’s Minister Paul Fletcher.

On Tuesday the federal government unveiled more details on the grant programs which will be included in the $250 million COVID-19 support package for the arts sector first announced in June.

Applications will open from August 31 and will be considered in a rolling process by the government.

Mr Fletcher told Sky News about a $75 million rise grant, describing it as “a restart investment to sustain and expand” which was designed to support event organisers and ensure new shows will be open for the public as soon as public health restrictions are eased.

“The issue here is it costs money to get a new show up, it costs money to hire cast and crew, hire the venue and market the show,” he said.

The government will be seeking to award funding as quickly as possible to ensure organisers have the capital to put on shows, he said.