Arts union welcomes ALP commitment to reverse Australia Council cuts
The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance, the union and industry advocate for media and arts professionals, welcomes the commitment by the federal opposition to restore funding to the Australia Council that was removed in this year’s Budget.
MEAA CEO Paul Murphy said he was pleased that opposition arts spokesman Mark Dreyfus had publicly made the commitment to reverse the $105 million in cuts from the Australia Council.
But Mr Murphy said the cuts were already having an impact on the arts community, with shows and tours being cancelled and uncertainty about future productions.
In July, a revised Australia Council grants structure revealed that grants to individuals and groups and small arts organisations will total just $12 million in 2015-16, and the number of grants rounds will be wound back to two in September and February next year, with the December round cancelled. Additionally, funding for organisations will be reduced from a maximum of six years to four.
“We have said all along that the cuts from the peer-reviewed Australia Council would impact on artistic freedom, diversity and independence,” Mr Murphy said.
“The Australia Council has long been a supporter of the work of individual artists and small organisations that push the envelope.
“But these funding changes risk disrupting a delicate and already stretched sector.
“They will undoubtedly have negative effects on many thousands of Australians who value the arts.”
More than 12,300 people signed a petition co-ordinated by MEAA to Arts Minister George Brandis calling for him to reconsider the proposed cuts to the arts sector.
Mr Murphy said MEAA would continue to fight for a funding system that supported all artists and arts organisations, both big and small, and which kept the funding of the arts at an arm’s length from political interference.
“MEAA looks forward to further constructive dialogue with all political parties about policies for the arts and creative industries, and will be campaigning on these issues in the lead-up to the next election,” he said.
For more information contact:
Mark Phillips, Communications Director, 0422 009 011 or mark.phillips@meaa.org
Arts union welcomes ALP commitment to reverse Australia Council cuts
The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance, the union and industry advocate for media and arts professionals, welcomes the commitment by the federal opposition to restore funding to the Australia Council that was removed in this year’s Budget.
Last update: September 18, 2015
