Budget Investment in the Arts
13 May 2015 at 10:00 am
The interests of Australia’s cultural sector have been protected and advanced by the 2015-16 Federal Budget including a move to foster private sector support, according to Attorney-General Senator George Brandis.
“At the centre of the measures to support the arts sector is the investment of $104.8 million over four years to establish a National Programme for Excellence in the Arts to support endowments, international touring and strategic projects, with an emphasis on attracting private sector support,” Senator Brandis said after the Budget launch.
“The National Program for Excellence in the Arts will allow for a truly national approach to arts funding and will deliver on a number of Government priorities including national access to high quality arts and cultural experiences.
“Arts funding has until now been limited almost exclusively to projects favoured by the Australia Council. The National Program for Excellence in the Arts will make funding available to a wider range of arts companies and arts practitioners, while at the same time respecting the preferences and tastes of Australia’s audiences."
Accordingly, he said the Visions of Australia and Festivals Australia programs will return to the Ministry for the Arts after being transferred to Australia Council by the previous Government.
The Major Festivals Initiative will also be transferred with support for this program to be doubled to $1.5 million.
He said Creative Partnerships Australia will receive $5.2 million over three years starting in 2015-16 to foster private sector support for the arts.
“Funds for these programs will be transferred to the Ministry for the Arts from the Australia Council, ensuring that Government support is available for a broader range of arts and cultural activities," Brandis said.
“The Australia Council will continue to be the principal arts funding body, providing funding to artists and arts organisations of approximately $185 million per annum.
“There will be no reduction in the Australia Council’s funding to the 28 major performing arts companies as a result of this initiative.”
Download Budget Papers 2015 HERE.
