About Us

Australia’s performing arts are celebrated around the world for their excellence and creativity.

AMPAG’s 28 member companies from six states across Australia create brilliant music, drama, dance, circus, opera and ballet for Australian and international audiences.

AMPAG’s mission is to ensure that the brilliance of these companies is adequately supported by the government and accessible to all Australians.

The performing companies generate revenue through a variety of sources, including box office income, corporate sponsorship, philanthropic donations, commercial activities and State or Federal government funding. Government subsidy is as little as 10% in some member companies and across the 28 companies constitutes just over one third of revenue.

AMPAG acts as an umbrella body supporting government subsidy as an essential source of income. It is only through government subsidy that some companies can program activities and performances in regional areas, which would not be otherwise commercially viable.

AMPAG was formed in 1999 to give its member companies a national voice and presence. The companies saw a critical need to work together on basic policy issues which affect both artistic quality and cost/revenue dynamics.

AMPAG identifies where Governments can act effectively to support business performance — and enhance the art — of its member companies. AMPAG works to gain extra funding and long-term commitment to Australia’s artistic vibrancy.

AMPAG’s work also includes:

• Building better governance within the companies
• An annual survey of sponsorship and donation to the major performing arts companies
• Creating a forum for company leaders to discuss shared issues

To find out more About Us:

Our Achievements
Our Board
Our Members

Downloads

Major Performing Arts Inquiry Background (167 KB)

This provides a brief overview of the original major performing arts inquiry (also known as the Nugent Review) and the subsequent funding model reviews.

The Major Performing Arts Board (Australia Council) Briefing Information – Categories & Governance 2 (308 KB)

Provides information on the context for supporting Australia’s major performing arts companies, why and how they are grouped and the rationale for establishing AMPAG.

2009 Annual Report (852 KB)

2008 Annual Report (392 KB)

2007 Annual Report (211 KB)

2006 Annual Report (69 KB)

2005 Annual Report (512 KB)

2008 Statistics on the work of the AMPAG companies (505 KB)