The 2015-16 Budget announcement last night included a number of significant budget measures relating the Australia Council, and the establishment of a National Programme for Excellence in the Arts, to be administered through the Ministry for the Arts.
The budget measures related to the Australia Council include:
– $110M redirected over four years from the Australia Council’s appropriation to support the establishment of the National Programme for Excellence in the Arts, the Creative Partnerships Australia’s matched funding programme, and the transfer of the Visions of Australia and Festivals of Australia programmes and the Major festivals Initiative, to the Ministry for the Arts
– A $7.3M budget efficiency measure over four years from the Australia Council’s appropriation, delivered through reduced funding for the ArtStart, Capacity Building and Artists in Residence programmes
– A $6M budget measure directed over three years towards the establishment of the Book Council
For full details of the 2015-16 Budget visit www.budget.gov.au
This will impact on the Australia Council’s programs and administrative functions.
Australia Council Chair Rupert Myer AM said “the announcement of the 2015-16 Budget last night included measures which will significantly impact the work of the Australia Council on behalf of the arts sector. The Council’s Board and Executive will be giving very careful consideration to how these changes will impact on our ability to deliver on the Australia Council Strategic Plan, including support for artists and arts organisations through our new grants program and strategic projects.”
The Australia Council remains committed to supporting Australian artists and arts organisations, and working collaboratively to achieve strong outcomes for the arts in Australia.