National Arts Agency News in 2003
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News from national government agencies that support the arts. Subscribe to our newsletter, ACORNS. To feature your national agency’s news please email us.
January 2003
How to publish a book - Hong Kong style
The secrets of successful book publishing will be discussed at an upcoming Hong Kong Arts Development Council lecture, entitled 'How to Publish a Book.' more >
New funding at Arts Council of England
The Arts Council of England has announced two new investment programs for 2003 with grants ranging from £200 to £100,000. more >
Turkish song competition announced
The Republic of Turkey's Ministry of Culture has announced an international song competition to commemorate the anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign. more >
New Chairman for NEA
The United States Senate has voted to appoint music identity Michael Hammond as the new Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). more >
New director appointed at Canada Council
John Hobday has been appointed Director of the Canada Council for the Arts. more >
Art initiatives for ART
Two new initiatives have been launched by New Zealand's Arts Regional Trust Te Taumata Toi a Iwi (ART), in an effort to make the Auckland region a more exciting place to live. more >
Australian dance to feature in New York
Following a feature program at New York's Brooklyn Academy of Music during 2001, Australian contemporary dance is to take centre stage at the upcoming Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) Market, to be held in the US city during January, and expected to attract some 3,000 professionals in the field. more >
Creative Scotland shortlist announced
Twenty Scottish artists, including Alasdair Gray, Ian Hamilton Finlay and Richard Demarco, have been selected to go through to the final round of the Creative Scotland Awards 2003. more >
Cultural competition for the Cayman Islands
The Cayman National Cultural Foundation, in collaboration with the Quincentennial Celebrations Project, is presenting the 2003 Cayman Islands' National Playwriting Competition. more >
Changes at Creative New Zealand
An organisational restructure of national arts development agency, Creative New Zealand, undertaken in an effort to enhance the organisation's delivery of services to the arts sector, has been completed. more >
Ireland's arts funding down
2003 funding for Ireland's arts organisations may be under threat, according to Arts Council of Ireland Director, Patricia Quinn. more >
Money for UK regional museums announced
Resource has announced the launch of a £2 million Museum Development Fund. more >
Arts marketing site fuels explosion
The Australia Council initiative, fuel4arts.com, has become one of the fastest growing international online communities, after having recorded a 924% growth in membership over the past two years, according to a statement from the council. fuel4arts.com now has 8000 members in 94 countries. more >
Arts Council of Northern Ireland launches architectural policy
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland yesterday unveiled plans to transform the country's architecture and built environment. more >
Creative NZ offers artist's residency
Creative New Zealand is calling for applications for its international Craft/Object Art Residency initiative. more >
Jamaican conference for literacy
The Jamaica All-age Schools Project (JAASP), in association with the Moneague College, held a three-day literacy conference in Oracabessa recently. more >
Canada Council helps find homes for art
The Canada Council Art Bank Program is attempting to expose works by contemporary Canadian artists to a broader audience. And the country's art galleries and museums are feeling the benefit. more >
Scottish Arts Council calls public meetings
The Scottish Arts Council recently re-issued its invitation to members of the public to attend a series of public meetings aimed at assisting the council in its strategy for National Lottery funding distribution. more >
Patrons of Singapore's arts to receive recognition
The National Arts Council in Singapore will honour donors to the arts in its 2003 Patron of the Arts Awards and Arts Supporter Awards. more >
All that jazz
The US National Endowment for the Arts has released the results from a survey entitled 'Changing the Beat: A Study of the Work Life of Jazz Musicians.' more >
First-ever national presentation at Venice Biennale from Scotland announced
The Scottish Arts Council and the British Council Scotland have announced the names of the three artists chosen to represent Scotland at this year's Venice Biennale. more >
Arts Council of Wales announces artists for Venice
The Arts Council of Wales has announced that Welsh artists Paul Seawright, Cerith Wyn Evans, Simon Pope and Bethan Huws will participate in Wales' inaugural appearance at the Venice Biennale in 2003. more >
Arts Council of Northern Ireland gives priority to individual artists
As part of its five-year-plan, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland has given priority to extending the opportunities for artists to develop their work and practice. more >
International residencies offered to young CCD leaders
The Community Cultural Development Board (CCDB) of the Australia Council has announced a series of international residencies available for young Australian leaders in community cultural development practice. more >
Australia Council report on trade released
The Australia Council recently released its background report on trade, entitled the 'Cultural Trade Background Report'. more >
New branding for Indigenous funding board
The Australia Council's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board (ATSIAB) has a new look. more >
Arts Council collection on display
A selection of 90 paintings from a collection belonging to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland has gone on display at the City Arts Centre in Edinburgh. more >
Winners and losers in Scottish Arts Council budget
Following the recent announcement of the Scottish Arts Council's (SAC) budget for the next year, many of the rumours and fears surrounding Scottish Executive funding to the SAC over the past few months have been confirmed. more >
Scottish Arts Council application process streamlined
The Scottish Arts Council has announced plans to streamline the funding application process, by decreasing the number of its committees to three: Performing Arts, Creative Arts and a Capital Committee. more >
Scottish Arts Council makes Gaelic investment
The Scottish Arts Council has reported an increased investment of 156% in Gaelic arts. The commitment brings the council's investment in Gaelic arts projects to £4 million over eight years, with an additional £4.5 million towards building dedicated arts centres. more >
SAC launches handbook to assist arts volunteers
The Scottish Arts Council (SAC) has launched an updated edition of its 'Care, Diligence and Skill' handbook, which aims to assist members of arts organisations to understand their duties and responsibilities. more >
Co-operating for culture
India's Culture Department has announced an agreement between India and Italy that will see the two countries co-operate against the illegal trafficking of cultural assets. more >
Cultural items accepted by Government instead of tax
Cultural items valued at more than £2.5 million, including a group portrait by William Hogarth, have been accepted by the British government instead of inheritance tax. more >
February 2003
National Arts Council supports schools workshop
The National Arts Council of South Africa, in collaboration with Caltex, will support the Durban Black Drifters Isicathamiya Schools Workshop Project for its latest schools tour. more >
Creative New Zealand website launch
Creative New Zealand has launched a new website to highlight the nation's exhibition at the 2003 Venice Biennale. more >
New Chairman for NEA
The United States Senate has confirmed the appointment of Dana Gioia to the position of ninth Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. more >
Jamaica: UK project and cultural policy underway
Jamaica's Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture is currently staging its 'Cultural Sunshine Boonoonoonoos Project' in London and it is also working on a national cultural policy. more >
Australia Council releases Young People and the Arts policy
The Australia Council has released a Young People and the Arts Policy. more >
Arts Council of Wales shifts priorities for capital funding
Following a review of its strategy for the distribution of Lottery funds, the Arts Council of Wales (ACW) has predicted a marked shift in its capital funding priorities over the next four years. more >
New vision for UK libraries
UK Arts Minister Tessa Blackstone recently launched the British Government's new 10-year strategic vision for libraries, entitled 'Framework for the Future.' more >
Canada Council supports architecture
The Canada Council for the Arts has launched a series of new initiatives aimed at increasing public awareness of Canadian architecture. more >
UK library research highlights changing needs of young people
Resource, the UK council for museums, archives and libraries, has published a new research report highlighting the changing needs of young people, to support a study on the future of libraries. more >
Public art review
A major review of public art has been commissioned by the Arts Council of Wales. more >
Arts Council England announces ambitions
Following its recent launch, Arts Council England has announced its ambitions for the arts over the next three years. more >
Funding program cancelled in Ireland
The Arts Council of Ireland has announced the suspension of its publication assistance and exhibition assistance awards in architecture for 2003. more >
Resource announces scaled-down plans to revitalise England's regional museums
Three English regions have been selected to spearhead an initiative to revitalise the nation's regional museums and galleries, but this is six fewer than originally planned. more >
Support increased for Northern Ireland arts organisations
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has allocated more than GB£7.1 million to 129 arts organisations across the country, representing a 24.5% increase in funding compared to last year. more >
Scottish Arts Council welcomes funding
The Scottish Arts Council has welcomed the Scottish Executive's announcement of a total of £17.5 million over the next three years, which is expected to contribute to the removal of instrumental and singing tuition charges for children. more >
New arts policy director at arts council of Ireland
The Arts Council of Ireland has announced that Seamus Crimmins will join the organisation on a temporary secondment during April. more >
£1.7 million injected into young people's art projects in Wales in 2003
More than £1.5 million was made available for arts projects aimed at young people in Wales in the past 12 months, the Arts Council of Wales announced yesterday. more >
Awards for Chilean musicians
The Chilean Ministry for Education has awarded three prizes for music, under the 'Presidente de la republica' awards scheme. more >
French Community in Belgium releases report on cultural centres
The French Community in Belgium has recently released the eighth edition of 'Faites and Gestes' (Facts and Motions), which outlines figures on French Community cultural centres. more >
New prizes for Belgian writers
Belgium's Minister for Arts and Humanities has announced the winners of three book prizes for the French Community at the Brussels Book Festival. more >
French Culture Minister welcomes music study
The French Minister for Culture and Communication is reportedly delighted with a recent study compiled with the assistance of music industry professionals. more >
March 2003
Colombian National Art Show re-opens
In response to calls from artists, arts institutions and cultural managers, the Colombian Minister for Culture has announced that the National Art Show will re-open in 2003. more >
French Culture Minister launches battle against counterfeiting
French Culture Minister Jean-Jacques Aillagon has confirmed his commitment to the battle against counterfeit literary and artistic materials. more >
Mexican Council for Culture and Arts announces new cultural fund
The Mexican Council for Culture and Arts has announced a new municipal funding program for the region of Oaxaca, aimed at strengthening the cultural identity of indigenous communities. more >
Changes to Chilean arts funding competition
The Chilean Government has announced that the FONDART 2003 competition will take place after a number of revisions. more >
Cultural connection between Cuba and Italy tightened
The cultural connection between Cuba and Italy has been furthered, with the signing of a memorandum agreement aimed at furthering cooperation between the two countries in the area of culture. more >
Coup d'etat of the media by young creators
The Australian Federal Government's youth arts and media festival, 'noise', will take place during October 2003. more >
New Director of Communications at NEA
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has announced the appointment of Felicia K Knight as Director of Communications. more >
Canada Council Art Bank announces artwork purchase
The Canada Council Art Bank has announced that it will purchase 71 works by Aboriginal artists from across the country, as part of its 30th birthday celebrations and in honour of the 45th anniversary of the Canada Council. more >
Arts Council of Ireland announces resignation of Literature Officer
The Arts Council of Ireland has announced the resignation of Sinead Mac Aodha from her position as Literature and Irish Language Arts Officer. more >
New Institut Neerlandais Director
The Dutch Government has announced that Rudi Wester has been appointed Director of the Dutch cultural institute in Paris. more >
Theatre touring scheme established by British Council and Northern Ireland Arts Council
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the British Council have established a North/South Theatre Touring Scheme to facilitate and extend opportunities for theatre companies to tour their productions through Ireland. more >
HKADC Project Grant applications open
The Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) has announced that its 2003 Project Development Grants are now open. more >
Interactive technology to help Scottish Arts Council in evaluation
A pioneering internet-based tool kit will help the Scottish Arts Council evaluate the impact of the arts on social exclusion issues. more >
Arts Council England announces spending plan
Arts Council England has unveiled its first major spending plan since officially relaunching in February, merging the Arts Council of England and ten Regional Arts Boards into one organisation. more >
Canada Council meets with Aboriginal artists in Quebec
Canada Council staff recently joined Quebec's Aboriginal artists for 'Recontre de reflexion,' a meeting aimed at familiarising Aboriginal artists with the council and its programs. more >
Cuban Biennial of Plastic Arts
Artists from around the world will come together in Cuba for the seventh Havana Plastic Arts Biennial. more >
Angolan Culture Minister announces special fund
Angolan Culture Minister Boaventura Cardoso has announced the creation of a fund for artists who have contributed to the enrichment of Angolan culture. more >
Arts Council England launches local government arts scheme
Arts Council England launched its new 'Local government and the arts' partnership scheme at the Local Government Association cultural conference recently. more >
French Culutre Minister announces architecture prize
French Culture Minister Jean-Jacques Aillagon has launched a new publicly-judged prize for architecture in the country's North West. more >
Audience attendance improving, says NAC
Attendance at Singapore's performing arts events and visual arts exhibitions was higher than ever before in 2002, according to figures released by the National Arts Council (NAC). more >
ACE appoints Executive Director of External Communications
Arts Council England has announced the appointment of a new Executive Director of External Communications. more >
April 2003
Creative New Zealand funds audience development
Creative New Zealand has awarded funding grants of up to NZ$12,000 each to the Auckland Philharmonia, Capital E's National Theatre for Children and Downstage Theatre to assist with audience development. more >
Arts Council of Ireland completes internal procedure review
The Arts Council of Ireland has recently completed a comprehensive review of internal procedure. more >
Three funding schemes re-open in Northern Ireland
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland recently announced the immediate re-opening of three lottery programmes that were suspended last year. more >
NCCA writers prize announced
The Philippines National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has called on Filipino writers to enter the 2003 NCCA Writers Prize. more >
Tourism contributes to livelihood of Indian folk artists
Tourism makes an important contribution to the livelihood of folk artists and artisans from heritage sites in the States of Kerala and Rajasthan, a study sponsored by the Indian Ministry of Tourism and Culture has found. more >
Changes to Creative New Zealand award
Creative New Zealand has announced a series of changes to its Creative Places Award in 2003. more >
Mexico defends cultural identity
The Mexican Council for Arts and Culture has announced moves to combat an influx of foreign merchandise, music and customs from the United States. more >
Spanish Culture Ministry encourages regional literacy
The Spanish Culture Ministry has announced the three winners of a competition aimed at stimulating reading within regional Spanish communities. more >
New prize for French langauge
The first annual Raymond-Devos prize for French language, created by French Culture Minister Jean-Jacques Aillagon, has been won by Algerian actor, Fellag. more >
Cultural sector skills council proposed
Key representatives from the UK creative and cultural industries have launched a new website and prospectus entitled 'The Right War Forward: An Invitation to the Creative and Cultural Industries'. more >
Resource announces regional museum funding
Resource, the Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries, has £70 million in funding for the modernisation of England’s regional museums and galleries under its ‘Renaissance in the Regions’ programme. more >
New Director of Dance at Arts Council England
Dance UK Director Jeanette Siddall has been appointed to the post of Director of Dance at Arts Council England. more >
Funding for arts increased in 2002, says Spanish Government
Funding for the theatrical arts and for music increased in 2002, the Spanish Ministry for Education, Culture and Sport has announced. more >
New members to National Council on the Arts
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman Dana Gioia welcomed five new members to the National Council on the Arts recently. more >
May 2003
Arts Council promoting Northern Ireland arts abroad
A new funding programme to promote Northern Ireland arts abroad was launched this week by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in partnership with the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) and the British Council Northern Ireland. more >
Arts Council England launches 'New Audiences' website
Arts Council England has announced the launch of the 'New Audiences' website which documents the measures taken by arts organisations to attract new audiences. more >
Save America's Treasures Grants application deadline extended
The deadline for applications for the 2003 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants has been extended until May 20, the National Endowment of the Arts announced recently. more >
Canada Council announces 2003 York Wilson Endowment Award
The Canada Council for the Arts has awarded the 2003 York Wilson Endowment Award to the Edmonton Art Gallery for the purchase of Arlene Stamp's digital photography work, 'Signs of Breathing'. more >
Indian Culture Department proposes private service for upkeep of monuments
Indian Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Jagmohan has revealed plans to established a separate professional service that would assist the country's Archaeological Survey (ASI) in the upkeep of monuments. more >
Ministers to discuss Indian heritage and pensions for artists
Cultural Ministers of States and Union Territories in India will convene this week to discuss maintenance and visitor management issues at shrines and cultural sites around the country. more >
Minister backs Valparaiso as new location for cultural centre
The city of Valparaiso should be the location for a new Chilean cultural institution to be created under government approval, Chilean Education Minister Sergio Bitar announced recently. more >
New appointments at Ireland's Arts Council
Ireland's Arts Council has announced two new appointments to its Arts Programming department. more >
Festival of cultural exchange between Germany and Mexico
Greater cultural dialogue and exchange between artistic communities in Mexico and Germany are the expected outcomes of the 'CulturALE Festival', to be held in Mexico in 2003. more >
Culture Awareness Week in Belize
Belize Ministry of Education, Youths and Sports recently launched Culture Awareness Week, celebrated from May 20 to 23. more >
Australia Council promoting cultural exchange
Eight young arts leaders will take part in the Australia Council's first-ever international community cultural development residency project, entitled 'Out There, Everywhere', the Australia Council announced recently. more >
Brazil and Chile sign memorandum for cooperation
Brazilian Cultural Minister Gilberto Gil visited Chile earlier this month to sign a memorandum for cooperation with Chilean Minister for Education Sergio Bitar. more >
New Minister pledges support for Arts Council of Wales
Arts Council of Wales Chief Executive Peter Tyndall, welcomed Wales’ newly appointed Minister for Culture, the Welsh Language and Sport, Alun Pugh AM, to the Arts Sector recently. more >
Canada Council Director aims for artistic sustainability
Issues of improved governance, audience development and better management were raised by Canada Council Director John Hobday in his recently released 'Sustaining Artistic Excellence' paper. more >
NEA announces $66 million in Spring grants
More than $66 million in grants will be awarded to arts organisations and state and regional arts councils across the United States, as part of the 2003 Spring Grants round, the National Endowment for the Arts announced recently. more >
More support for Colombian cultural sector
The Colombian Cultural Ministry has combined a series of different incentives aimed at encouraging the sustainability of the country's cultural sector. more >
June 2003
Culturally diverse arts funded in Leicestershire
Arts Council England, East Midlands has announced a round of arts lottery funding to the tune of £133,000 for arts projects in Leicestershire. A total of £133,375 has been distributed across three organisations, including an African Caribbean arts forum, a British Asian theatre company and a secondary college showcase event. more >
French Culture Minister announces new museum council
French Culture Minister Jean Jacques Aillagon has announced the establishment of a High Council for French Museums, to address issues relating to the country's museum sector. more >
Cultural exchange agreement between Mexico and Texan museum
A cultural exchange agreement was signed by the Arts and Culture Council of Mexico and the Mexic-Arte museum of Austin, Texas, recently. more >
NEA announces new Director of Design
The US National Endowment for the Arts has announced the appointment of Jeff B Speck to the position of Director of Design. more >
Canada Council for the Arts announces Molson Prize winners
The Canada Council for the Arts has announced the two recipients of the 2003 Molson Prize. more >
Arts Council England supports Liverpool as Capital of Culture
Following the announcement that the British city of Liverpool would be the 2008 European Capital of Culture, Arts Council England Chief Executive, Peter Hewitt, said the decision would have a 'huge bearing' on how the arts in England are seen throughout the world. more >
Chinese Taiwan announces plan for preservation of local culture
The Chinese Taiwan Council for Cultural Affairs Chair, Tchen Yu-chiou, has called for an examination of past and present cultural policies, so as to better understand the impact of globalisation on culture. more >
Inter-country Comparisons Of Government Arts Expenditure
In response to an 'Ask IFACCA' question from Keith Kelly of the Canada Council for the Arts we have prepared a short statement about making inter-country comparisons of government expenditure on the arts. This can be viewed at our research topics page here. The response highlights three research reports from 1998 and 2000. If you know of more up-to-date work or would like to share your opinion on this crucial issue, you can do this using IFACCA's new forum facility. Just log onto the IFACCA website [www.ifacca.org] with your email address and password, go to the 'browse more topics' link, click on the forum icon and post your comments. more >
Spain to digitalise cultural patrimony
Historical works from the Prado Museum, the Spanish Filmoteca and the Cerralabo Museum will be digitalised in 2003, the Spanish Ministry for Culture and Education announced recently. more >
South African National Arts Council holds emergency meeting following artist sit-in
The National Arts Council of South Africa held an emergency meeting of its Executive Committee recently, following a sit-in by a group of artists demanding funding results, explanations for funding decisions and a meeting with the Chairperson of the board. more >
Malaysian Cultural Ministry calls for more support
The Malaysian Ministry of Culture Arts and Tourism has called for further financial support, in light of its contribution to the country's economy over recent years. more >
Two new committees for Scottish Arts Council
Two new committees have been established at the Scottish Arts Council (SAC), consolidating the previous artform committees under the umbrellas of Creative Arts and Performing Arts. more >
Malaysia to celebrate multiculturalism at Ambang Merdeka festival
The Malaysian Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism has urged all programs for the 2003 Ambang Merdeka festival to reflect Malaysia's progress in development and multiculturalism. more >
Creative New Zealand awards inaugural Writers' Fellowship
Creative New Zealand's inaugural 2003 Writers' Fellowship, the largest fellowship available to writers in New Zealand, was recently awarded to South Island writer, Owen Marshall. more >
Arts Council of Ireland releases 2002 Annual Review
The Arts Council of Ireland's 2002 Annual Review was launched under a new format by Minister for the Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue TD, in Merrion Square on June 17. more >
Arts Council England bringing diverse cultures to Sunderland Mela
A grant of £5000 will help bring artists from Africa and the Balkans to the Sunderland Mela, Arts Council England North East has announced. more >
July 2003
Arts Council of Northern Ireland appoints new Chair
Northern Ireland Parliamentary Under-Secretary of the State, Angela Smith MP, recently announced the appointment of Rosemary Kelly as Chairperson to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. more >
NEA promotes arts in health-care
Arts in health-care programs must be strengthened and expanded to improve America's medical services, according to a two-part report issued by the National Endowment for the Arts. more >
Contemporary Australia in Japan
The Australian International Cultural Council (AICC) will present a major festival in Japan this year incorporating dance, music, film, theatre and visual arts in an effort to promote a contemporary image of Australia internationally. more >
Lottery grant schemes close in Wales
The Arts Council of Wales will announce the closure of the majority of its Mid and West Wales Lottery based grant schemes this week. more >
Colombian students to study in the USA
The Colombian Minister for Culture and the Fulbright Commission have signed a three-year agreement that will offer Colombian artists opportunities for post-graduate training in the United States. more >
NEA Chairman makes first address in Washington
In his first address to the National Press Club on June 30 in Washington DC, NEA Chairman Dana Gioia raised the question, can the National Endowment for the Arts matter? more >
Scottish arts festivals funded
Five Scottish arts festivals have received a share of £22,000 in the latest round of grants announced by the Scottish Arts Council. more >
Arts Council England Writers' Awards announced
The latest round of Arts Council England Writers' Awards has seen fifteen recipients walk away with cheques worth £7,000. more >
Arts Council invites feedback on race equality document
Arts Council England is currently inviting feedback on its Racial Equality Scheme. more >
Cultural funding process begins in US Congress
The annual process of funding the agencies that support the arts and humanities in the US has begun in Congress, with both the Senate and House recommending a slight increase for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and a larger increase for the National Endowment for the Humanities, (NEH) in order to fund the agency's new 'We the People' initiative. more >
Dance projects for young people in Scotland funded
Fife Council has been awarded funding from the Scottish Arts Council to appoint a Traditional Dance Development Officer to teach traditional dance in schools in the area. more >
Disabled people engage with the digital arts
Arts Council England has funded major new research into the involvement of disabled people with the digital arts. more >
Economic and cultural impact study takes place in Ireland and Wales
An independent consultancy firm has been appointed to work on the most comprehensive study ever into the economic and cultural impact of cinema in both Ireland and Wales. more >
Ireland supports arts in education
As a contribution to the promotion of best practice standards in arts in education, the Arts Council of Ireland has published a new directory entitled 'Supporting Arts in Education.' more >
Celebrating schools' commitment to the arts
A hundred schools from across England’s North West united in Manchester earlier this month to recognise and celebrate their commitment to the arts. more >
International Indigenous Authors to tour Australia
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board of the Australia Council is set to host the second Honouring Words: International Indigenous Authors Celebration Tour starting July 30. more >
Australia presents festival in Japan
Australia is participating in the world's largest open-air visual arts festival, the Echigo Tsumari Triennial, presenting Japan with an image of Australia that goes beyond beaches and koalas. more >
Arts Council England appoints advisors
Scottish author Jackie Kay is among nine newly appointed advisors, who are specialists in their fields, to lead Arts Council England’s new streamlined advisory system. more >
August 2003
Moroccan film industry receives funding boost
The Moroccan Communication Minister, Nabil Benabdallah, has announced increased funding for Moroccan cinema production from 10 million Dhs to 14 million Dhs. more >
NEA conducts workshops for local arts organisations
The USA's National Endowment for the Arts will take part in a national tour to help local arts organisations improve their chances of winning a competitive grant. more >
Filipino artists honoured with National Artist Award
Five notable artists were recently announced the winners of the Phillipines National Artists Awards. more >
Five NZ regions to develop cultural tourism
Five regions in New Zealand will receive support and funding to develop cultural tourism in their area as part of a Creative New Zealand initiative. more >
England's North East receives cultural funding boost
Arts Council England North East, along with 15 other agencies, have brought together funding from a range of private and public sources totalling £8.5 million to contribute to the region's cultural sector. more >
Arts Council of Ireland improves funding process
The Arts Council of Ireland has announced a series of improvements in its grant application process for 2004 more >
Fifteen films funded by Spanish Ministry for Education, Culture and Sport
Fifteen films have been funded by the Institute for Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts through the Spanish Ministry for Education, Culture and Sport. more >
Mexican Cultural Ministry to raise funds for cathedral
Sari Bermudez of the Mexican Cultural Ministry has called on the Mexican Federal Government, District Governments and the Catholic Church to contribute further funds to the restoration of the Metropolitana Cathedral. more >
Chilean Ministry for Culture finances creative projects
The Chilean Ministry for Culture has financed 316 projects through a national competition aimed at developing artistic production and creative projects. more >
France to help computer game industry
The French Minister for Culture and Communications, Jean-Jacques Aillagon, and Minister Delegate for Industry, Nicole Fontaine, have launched a program through the National Centre for Cinematography to help growing computer game companies in France. more >
Contemporary Australian art in Berlin
Face Up – Contemporary Art from Australia, will run from October 2 – January 4 as part of a six month program of contemporary Australian performance, literature and visual art in Berlin entitled 'Artsaustralia Berlin 03'. more >
Arts funding in England guide published
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has published a comprehensive guide to arts funding in England. more >
Protect our culture from the FTA, urges AFC chief
The Australian Government should ensure any Free Trade Agreement made with the United States is fair and balanced in regard to culture, asserted cultural industry representatives in Canberra recently. more >
Cultural Gifts Program celebrated online
An online gallery of the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program was launched on August 20 by the Australian Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp. more >
Support offered for creative industries in North West
The creative and finance industries are joining forces in an initiative underway in the North West, England designed to create financial start-up support for creative businesses. more >
September 2003
NEA supports new technology to advance the arts
The National Endowment for the Arts has announced that it will award US$1.5 million to non-profit arts organisations to help them develop distinctive ways of using new technology to advance the arts and better serve the public. more >
Australia Council initiates mentorship program
Ten young theatre artists from around Australia have been selected to take part in a national mentorship program initiated by the Australia Council for the Arts and managed by Youth Arts Queensland. more >
Quebec Culture Minister to visit France for UNESCO general conference
Quebec Minister for Culture and Communications, Ms Line Beauchamp, will attend the next general UNESCO conference in France to participate in meetings regarding cultural diversity. more >
Maori arts and culture celebrated in New Zealand
Te Waka Toi, the Maori arts board of Creative New Zealand, recently held its annual Te Waka Toi Awards evening to recognise outstanding contributions to Maori arts and culture. more >
Chilean Culture Minister meets with Chilean Actors Syndicate
The Chilean Culture Minister, Jose Weinstein, met with the Chilean Actors Syndicate on August 25 to discuss the role to be played by the newly created National Council for Culture and Arts. more >
Scottish Arts Council supports multicultural festival
The Edinburgh Mela, a festival which celebrates arts from beyond European traditions, took place on August 29-30 with funding assistance from the Scottish Arts Council. more >
First meeting of new Arts Council
The newly appointed Arts Council of Ireland held its inaugural meeting in Dublin this month. more >
Singapore National Arts Council appoints new Chief Executive
Singapore National Arts Council has appointed Mr Lee Suan Hiang as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective as of October 15. more >
Quebec and France sign cultural heritage agreement
Quebec’s Minister for Culture and Communication, Line Beauchamp, and France’s Minister for Culture and Communication, Jean-Jacques Aillagon, have signed an agreement concerning cultural heritage. more >
Arts Council of Northern Ireland to establish on-line box office
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has set aside £650,000 to establish an On-Line Box Office System and associated Audience Development Agency to provide greater access to the arts in Northern Ireland. more >
Record year for Singapore arts
Singapore National Arts Council’s annual statistical round-up of the performing and visual arts has showed significant increases in ticketed attendance and the number of events and exhibitions in 2002. more >
Canada Council Art Bank acquires 52 new artworks
The Canada Council Art Bank will acquire 52 new works of art worth a total of CAN$165,820. more >
Arts Council of Ireland introduces new funding scheme for festival and events
In line with a range of improvements in its grant application processes this year, the Arts Council of Ireland has introduced a new funding scheme to support small festivals and events. more >
Scottish Arts Council looks toward the future
A series of public forums to discuss the role of the arts in Scotland’s future will be held by the Scottish Arts Council in Dundee, Glasgow and Inverness this month. more >
Creative New Zealand sponsors Wearable Art Award
Creative New Zealand recently announced the winner of its inaugural Artistic Excellence Award at the 2003 Montana World of Wearable Art Awards in Nelson, New Zealand. more >
Arts Council Chief praises community arts in Northern Ireland
Audiences for the arts in Northern Ireland are wider than ever before, according to the Chief Executive of Northern Ireland’s Arts Council, Roisín McDonough. more >
Scottish Arts Council announces Playwrights' Studio Board
The Scottish Arts Council has announced the establishment of the Scottish Playwrights' Studio Board. more >
Employment in the arts and culture increases in the UK
A major new research study commissioned by Arts Council England has revealed that employment in the arts and culture has increased by over 150,000 jobs in the UK in the past ten years. more >
Eighth Gulf Theatrical Festival held
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Information and Culture, the eighth Gulf Theatrical Festival is currently being held in Abu Dhabi until September 28. more >
The Philippines celebrates cultural heritage
The Phillipine Government has set aside the whole month of September in celebration of the country's rich cultural heritage. more >
October 2003
Moves to ensure Liverpool is 'culturally diverse' for Capital of Culture
An audience of artists, arts organisations and community groups examined Liverpool’s role as a 'culturally inclusive' Capital of Culture in a debate on October 8. more >
Scottish artists struggle to earn £10,000 a year
Despite pumping £4.6 million into the nation’s economy, about half of Scotland’s visual artists earn less than £10,000 a year - including from sources to supplement their income from their art - a study has found. more >
Capital grants for Wales venues to improve access
The Arts Council of Wales has allocated £1 million in capital grants for venues to improve access for disabled people. more >
'Cultureshock' producer awarded NESTA grant
One of the creative producers responsible for Manchester's Cultureshock Festival, the Commonwealth Games Cultural Programme in 2002, has received financial support of GBP£60,000 to develop her work on an international scale. more >
Arts Council Chief outlines vision for artistic excellence
Arts Council England Chief Executive Peter Hewitt will outline his vision for the development of a £5.5 million national centre of excellence in music and related arts this week. more >
Creative class to develop 21st century economies
Australia Council CEO, Jennifer Bott, has urged future leaders from the Commonwealth to factor the abilities and enthusiasm of ‘the creative class’ into their planning for 21st century economies. more >
Arts Council of Ireland requires more funding to meet demands
The Arts Council of Ireland will require a significant increase in funding from the government next year if it is to meet the demands of arts organisations seeking financial support, said Ms Olive Braiden, Chair of the Arts Council. more >
UNESCO and Catalonia sign memorandum for developing culture
The Director-General of UNESCO, Koïchiro Matsuura, and the President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Spain, Mr Jordi Pujol, signed a memorandum this month aimed at developing and strengthening ongoing cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture and communication. more >
Ireland and Wales team up to raise artistic profiles
Cultural Co-operation and Touring in Wales has announced details of a new initiative aimed at developing relationships among cultural practitioners on both sides of the Irish Sea, raising the profile of the arts in Ireland and Wales both at home and internationally. more >
Cultural Institute of Macao preserves traditional pawnshop
A traditional Macao pawnshop has been given new life by its nation's Cultural Institute. more >
November 2003
Arts Council of Wales looks at sector's long-term sustainability
The Arts Council of Wales has launched a £1 million pilot programme to assess the sustainability of arts organisations. more >
Programme for emerging Black and Ethnic Minority arts groups
Arts Council England has announced an initiative to support organisations that it doesn’t normally fund on a regular basis. more >
Arts & Business launches new Black and Asian scheme
Arts & Business East Midlands will hold the first in a series of introductory events to its new development programme for Black and Asian arts this week. more >
ASEAN Festival of Arts wraps up
The ASEAN Festival of Arts, which ran from October 14 to 18, ended with a gala dance performance presented by 11 countries in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysia Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism announced. more >
Arts Council hosts information briefing for sector
On October 31, the Arts Council of Ireland hosted an information briefing for all the arts organisations that applied for financial support in 2004. more >
Australian artists earn below the poverty line
The Australia Council has released a report revealing that one third of Australian artists earn less than the poverty line. more >
Chile joins UNESCO World Heritage Committee
The Chilean Ministry for Culture has announced that during the XIV General Assembly of the United Nations, Chile was elected to participate as a member of the World Heritage Committee for the period 2003 to 2007. more >