The governing body of the Australia Council has resolved to reorganise the Council's structures and processes to make it a stronger catalyst for arts growth and development in Australia. A task force, established by the Council last year has reported back – though not finished – after six months of research and consulting with staff. The proposed reorganisation would affect nearly every facet of the Council, and promotes a great leadership role for it within the arts sector. ’The Australia Council has to drive improvements in the arts sector, by building the capabilities of artists and arts organisations, and by looking for ways to increase support for the arts from all sources,' Australia Council's CEO, Ms Jennifer Bott said. 'In 2004 we have been reviewing our role and our organisation to ensure we are a catalyst for greater impact,' The task force, headed by the Council's Deputy Chair, Terrey Arcus, included Council members Michael Snelling (then Chair, New Media Arts Board and then Acting Chair, Visual Arts/Craft Board), Adam Lewis, (Community Interest Representative), Ian McRae (Chair, Theatre Board) and Jennifer Bott. Since January, the Council has been taking part in forums and meetings to explain the changes and new directions and to hear further views, especially with regard to the Community Cultural Development and New Media Arts Boards, which will be dissolved and incorporated into the other boards if proposed changes go ahead. They are now working to develop models for Community Partnerships (CP) and New Media (NM) within the new organisational structure. This includes defining policy objectives, confirming the broad operational framework for these areas, and discussing possible operational models. It is expected that the extensive consultation period will finish at the end of March. Proposed operational models for the new council structure will be made public on the 23 February, and the community will have a month to respond. There will then be public briefings around Australia throughout April/May to inform all interested people about the changes. For more information about the task force, review structure and specific changes within the Australia Council, please CLICK HERE.