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Minister's message
It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Summer issue of Artbeat.
The findings of the Nugent Report on performing arts organisations and the Myer Report on the visual arts and craft sector have provided the basis for the significant additional support the Australian Government has provided the arts sector.
Additional funding for the Regional Arts Fund and the touring programs-Playing Australia, Visions Australia and Festivals Australia-will help ensure that all Australians, especially those in regional areas, have the opportunity to enjoy exhibitions, festivals and theatre productions from around the country.
The Australian Government has also strengthened its commitment to the national elite arts training institutions. An additional $9 million over three years will be provided to the Australian Film, Television and Radio School for digital interactive and multiplatform production courses and to establish a national Screen Business Skills Centre.
In the 2004-05 Budget, the Government increased operational funding to the National Institute of Circus Arts by $2.4 million over four years, and committed $6 million to fund the construction of an additional training and performance venue.
The extraordinary quality and importance of Australian Indigenous art and its unique capacity to generate major employment opportunities in remote Indigenous communities has been the focus of the Indigenous Art Centre Strategy and Action Plan established in 2003. This year, the Government will continue to build on this initiative, investing in the production, distribution and promotion of Indigenous art and providing the art centres with greater financial security.
While the popularity of Australia as a location for international movie makers continues to stimulate our film sector, local production and private investment in our film industry does need to be strengthened.
I was pleased to recently announce an $87 million film industry funding package aimed at boosting the quality and public appeal of Australian film. This package will consist of an increase in direct funding, and measures designed to increase private sector investment. I am looking forward to seeing the results of this important initiative.
The Australian Government has also committed $56.5 million to a dedicated building to house the National Portrait Gallery and $13.7 million to the National Museum of Australia to implement the response to the Carroll Review.
Several major programs and institutions have celebrated important milestones in the past year, and there are several exciting challenges to be faced in 2005. The Australian Ballet School has celebrated 40 years of stellar performances and world-class training programs, while Art Indemnity Australia (AIA) has been celebrating its 25th anniversary.
AIA indemnifies high quality exhibitions that tour Australia, allowing all Australians to access significant cultural material, including art, antiquities and scientific objects. In the 2004-05 Budget, the Government increased funding to AIA by $6.1 million over four years, reflecting the increased market value of artwork and rising cost of insurance.
The positive impact of Australia's cutting-edge and rapidly expanding digital creative content industry is also set to grow this year. The Digital Content Industry Action Agenda will help to pave the way for the industry to grow, both domestically and internationally.
A new Australian Government funded research project will undertake a three-year mapping study of the creative digital content industry. It will provide vital information on the extent and value of this industry, including its social and economic impact.
Another feature of 2005 will be the conclusion of three music reviews-the review of Australia's Symphony and Pit Orchestras, the review of school music education and the review of classical music performance training. The orchestras' review, which is addressing operational, marketplace and governance issues, is keenly anticipated by the sector.
Senator Rod Kemp
Minister for the Arts and Sport