The Australia Council for the Arts today welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment to the arts through the renewal of the agency’s base funding.The announcement of $418 million for the Australian Council over the next three years was made by the Minister for the Arts and Sport Senator the Hon Rod Kemp yesterday.

‘We warmly welcome the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to the arts through this funding, which will help promote Australian artists and strengthen arts organisations,’ said Mr James Strong AO, chairman of the Australia Council.

‘This funding package maintains the Australia Council’s current funding levels, indexed for inflation. It highlights the importance the Australian Government attaches to the arts, and their recognition of some of the great work being created by the sector.’

Mr Strong said that he hoped that the renewal of base funding augured well for the announcement of further funding initiatives for the arts over the coming months.

‘We eagerly await the outcomes of the 2007-8 Budget delivering more excellent funding outcomes for Australian artists,’ he said.

‘We hope to see recognition for the outstanding creativity of Australia’s small-to-medium creative enterprises, in particular our world-beating performing arts companies.’

‘These companies – ranging from the stunning physicality of Australian Dance Theatre to the unique sounds of Gondwana Voices and innovative performances of Back to Back Theatre – are the creative powerhouse of Australian arts and often work with difficult financial margins,’ Mr Strong said.

The Australia Council is the Australian Government’s principal arts funding and advisory body.