Statement from the Attorney-General for Australia, Minister for the Arts, Senator the Hon George Brandis QC on the 2015-2016 Budget:
Further investment in the Arts
Once again, the interests of Australia’s cultural sector have been protected and advanced by the 2015-16 Budget.
At the centre of the measures to support the arts sector is the investment of $104.8 million over four years to establish a National Programme for Excellence in the Arts to support endowments, international touring and strategic projects, with an emphasis on attracting private sector support.
The National Programme for Excellence in the Arts will allow for a truly national approach to arts funding and will deliver on a number of Government priorities including national access to high quality arts and cultural experiences.
Arts funding has until now been limited almost exclusively to projects favoured by the Australia Council. The National Programme for Excellence in the Arts will make funding available to a wider range of arts companies and arts practitioners, while at the same time respecting the preferences and tastes of Australia’s audiences.
Accordingly, the Visions of Australia and Festivals Australia programmes will return to the Ministry for the Arts after being transferred to Australia Council by the previous government. The Major Festivals Initiative will also be transferred with support for this programme to be doubled to $1.5 million.
Creative Partnerships Australia will receive $5.2 million over three years starting in 2015-16 to foster private sector support for the arts.
Funds for these programmes will be transferred to the Ministry for the Arts from the Australia Council, ensuring that government support is available for a broader range of arts and cultural activities.
The Australia Council will continue to be the principal arts funding body, providing funding to artists and arts organisations of approximately $185 million per annum.
There will be no reduction in the Australia Council’s funding to the 28 major performing arts companies as a result of this initiative.