Australia Council approves major changes

IFACCA/Artshub, 11 April 2005,Australia

In order to meet mounting challenges for the arts in Australia, the governing body of the Australia Council has approved major changes to the Council's structures and processes. David Gonski AO, recently re-appointed Council Chairman, said, 'We're moving away from a rigid model of grants and services towards one with far greater flexibility and more about innovative ideas and partnerships.' 'The new funding models we've created will give greater scope for fresh ideas and new players, for flexibility between artforms, and encourage more Australians to participate in and enjoy the arts,' added Council CEO Jennifer Bott. 'Ultimately, they will help shape a more sustainable arts sector.' The changes include plans to establish two new sections - Community Partnerships, and Inter-Arts - both aimed at spreading existing expertise more widely through the Council's activities, as well as the dissolution of the Community Cultural Development (CCD) and New Media Arts (NMA) boards. 'Community Partnerships will see a more flexible and strategic approach and better coordination of our support for CCD practice and arts in the community,' Bott said. 'It will more effectively support the extraordinary breadth of arts and cultural practices in Australian society, including youth and seniors, education and regional arts support, and will acknowledge both the diversity and rapidly changing profile of many communities.' The green light was also given to the establishment of a Key Organisations section to manage the Council's relationships with triennially funded organisations, and the Council agreed to establish a new Strategy section to develop plans for the Council as well as support the creation of individual, integrated plans by artform boards. The section will have responsibility for developing the Council's strategic plan, providing internal project management support, and managing research and analysis projects. For more information about the Council's reorganisation, CLICK HERE For further information, CLICK HERE

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