Current Issues
Melbourne Theatre Company: Red Photo: Earl Carter
AMPAG is working on major issues that Australian performing arts companies contend with every day. We are liaising with our member companies, industry partners and government departments to ensure cooperation and representation across the sector.
The arts and converged media
Are the arts adequately acknowledged and supported as 'Australian content' in the media landscape? AMPAG, in its response to the federal government's Convergence review, discussed this and many other issues. Read more...
Not-for-profit sector
The federal government released a consultation paper on December 8 2011 on Governance Arrangements for the Not-for-profit sector, aiming to reduce red tape and simplify how NFPs are managed and administered. This builds on work previously done in the Scoping study for a national NFP regulator—and AMPAG aims to prepare a response by the 20 January 2012 deadline. Read more...
National Cultural Policy
In August 2011 the Federal Arts Minister, Simon Crean, released a discussion paper on the National Cultural Policy which was first announced by the previous Arts Minister, Peter Garrett in November 2009. AMPAG welcomes the opportunity to discuss the importance of culture to Australian society and assist in its advancement. In conjunction with our members we made a submission about the four goals listed in the National Cultural Policy discussion paper and made recommendations on omissions. Read more…Digital Technology and the performing arts
AMPAG completed a Scoping Paper on the impact of digital technology in April 2011 to bring all companies up to speed with new technology developments and to explore different models. We are advocating for increased government investment in performing arts digital projects. Read more...Taxation reform in the arts
AMPAG has been advocating for taxation reforms which would benefit the arts sector. This includes revision of the 75% test on GST applied to tickets and the allowable contributions to a charitable institutions. We have also made submissions on the proposed changes to tax concessions to charitable and not-for- profit organisations. AMPAG’s recent submission can be found here. Read more…Arts and Education
AMPAG Education managers have made two submissions to ACARA about ways their work can better influence and support the new curriculum. Read more…International
In the lead up to the Federal election in August 2010 AMPAG joined with Live Performance Australia and the Australian Performing Arts Centres Association calling for an additional investment of $10 million per year for three years to support international performing arts touring. Read more...National Touring
National touring is an integral part of enhancing the liveability of a regional centre. AMPAG has argued strongly for an extension of the Playing Australia funding program so that high quality mainstage productions can tour the regions. Read more…Arts Precincts
At a capital city level AMPAG companies based in Melbourne were involved in plans to create an expanded arts precinct south of the Yarra. This has resulted in the new MTC Theatre and the Melbourne Recital Centre which hosts the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Musica Viva, amongst others. In Perth the new State Theatre at Northbridge opened in January this year. Read more...
Arts and Disability
Disability Action Plans (DAPs) are being developed by cultural institutions all over Australia. Companies have found that they are opening up opportunities to both expand their audience base and be more creative in programming. Read more...Greening the Performing Arts
A number of our member companies are leading the way in 'greening' their venues. AMPAG is looking at ways to facilitate green performing arts practices. Read more…