Arts Funding—Government support
Research shows that Australia's performing arts industry generates significant benefits for all Australians.
Some of these benefits are:
- building stronger communities
- developing world-class performing arts talent
- improving our kids' education
- boosting skills in the workforce and boosting our economy
- giving millions of Australians the chance to participate in the performing arts every year and sending Australian performers around the globe.
In today's global economy, Australia needs every competitive advantage it can get. A strong performing arts industry is a vital ingredient to a culturally and economically prosperous nation.
Arts Funding
Government support is vital in ensuring that our companies are able to produce new Australian work, innovative interpretations of classics, tell stories about our land and culture and develop and encourage aspiring young artists.
Most people don't realise that government funding is only a portion (in some cases less than 10%) of a company's turnover with the main income coming from box office, and a smaller but equally important amount from sponsorship and philanthropy.
AMPAG supports the MPA companies' development of earned income through providing reports on current trends, facilitating development forums and knowledge exchange. See the Survey report within publication of sponsorship and philanthropy (this is a link) annual reports. Members can also access box office and income and revenue data in the members' section.
For information about local government support for the arts contact your local council or theAustralian Local Government Association (ALGA).
Federal and state government arts funding departments & agencies include:
- Office of the Arts in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Arts NSW
- Arts Victoria
- Arts SA
- Arts Queensland
- Arts Tasmania
- Arts WA
- Arts ACT
Statutory Organisations directly supporting the arts
- Australia Council - The Australia Council for the Arts is the Australian Government's arts funding and advisory body
- Creative Partnerships Australia - Promotes and stimulates growth sponsorship and philanthropy for Australia's creative industries
- Screen Australia
- Arts Peak Orgs
For a list of AMPAG's arts partners go to Useful Links.