The Australia Council for the Arts today welcomed the announcement of several major initiatives in the Australian Government’s 2008-09 Budget.

Australia Council chief executive Kathy Keele said that the Rudd Government’s first Budget featured some very significant wins for the arts.

‘The arts fared well in last night’s Budget announcement, with some particularly positive outcomes for community arts, arts and education and young and emerging artists,’ Kathy said.

‘The Government showed its support for the arts by handing down a budget that delivered on key elements of its election platform.

‘The two initiatives worth $11.8 million over four years to support young and emerging artists and to bring artists into schools will help groom the next generation of practicing artists and better engage the next generation of Australians with the arts.

‘The Government’s confirmation of the $10 million Creative Communities initiative also demonstrates its commitment to giving all Australians the opportunity to experience the arts in the places where they live.

‘The Australia Council warmly welcomes these initiatives which will help enrich the cultural lives of all Australians.’

Ms Keele also highlighted that funding for artists and arts organisations was being maintained, despite the application of an additional two percent efficiency dividend on the Australia Council’s base budget.

‘We are putting in place measures to maintain our funding for artists and arts organisations by streamlining the organisation and making $2 million in administrative savings,’ she said.

Ms Keele also acknowledged the introduction of a resale royalties scheme for visual artists.