Federal Government Arts Policy

This month the Meeting of Cultural Ministers released its report on total arts and cultural government funding 2017-18 with capital expenditure driving growth. Separately, the Australia Council for the Arts has invited 162 small-to-medium-sized arts companies to make full applications for its four-year funding grant program with over 250 other organisations now consider their options.

The Greens, in releasing their Arts Policy on 28 April, are calling for an end to cuts in the sector, including a restoration and ongoing indexation of Australia Council funding, as well as proposing new initiatives, including:

Launched Saturday 11 May, the ALP’s ambitious cultural policy puts Arts back on the agenda. AMPAG welcomes the policy as a valuable starting point for a renewed conversation around the Arts in Australia.

A summary of the outcomes of the second phase of consultation on opportunities to strengthen the National Framework for Governments’ Support of the Major Performing Arts Sector (MPA Framework) has been released.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts presented its report on the Australian music industry. The committee has made 16 recommendations to ensure the future growth and sustainability of this sector.

The 2019 Budget highlights the urgent need for a roadmap for the future of the whole of the Australian Arts. AMPAG welcomes the Morrison Government’s commitment to addressing key gaps and challenges in the contemporary live music sector, but the Budget falls short of meaningful reform or investment for the whole of the Arts industry.

AMPAG submits that a consideration of ‘best practice approaches’ to regional development must take into account the invaluable contribution the arts can make, both socially and economically.

AMPAG supports in general terms the restructure of the governing board of the Australia Council to ensure it has the appropriate business and governance skills to manage risk.

In June 2013 then Arts Minister Tony Burke affirmed his commitment to Creative Australia.