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Small to Medium Performing Arts Group
At a meeting of Cultural Ministers Council (CMC) in August 2000, Ministers considered a proposal to undertake an investigation into the financial and artistic viability of the small to medium arts sector. Ministers charged the Standing Committee of Cultural Ministers Council to establish a Working Party of officials, to undertake this examination and
- affirmed the pivotal contribution of small-to-medium sized arts organisations to the cultural vitality and diversity of Australia ;
- agreed to commission an examination of the factors influencing the artistic and financial position of small-to-medium sized performing arts organisations;
- sought a report from a Working Party of Standing Committee for comprehensive consideration by Ministers at the next CMC meeting.
Ministers further agreed to allocate resources for consultation with the Sector and to undertake research as required.
Ministers considered a report on the outcomes of this examination at their meeting of May 2002 and reaffirmed the pivotal contribution made by the Sector to Australia 's cultural life and acknowledgeing that:-
- the sector is characterised by great diversity, a focus on new creative endeavour, slim administrative structure, a large volunteer workforce and a commitment to artistic production;
- the sector focuses on research and development; creatively the high risk end of the performing art and the strong commitment to the Sector's production and service organisations is underlined by the provision by Governments of more than $30 million a year at the present time;
- the Sector makes a significant contribution to promoting Australia 's international cultural profile;
- the Sector involves a large number of young people and communities across Australia ;
- while the Sector as a whole is in surplus its financial stability is finely balanced, with some areas under financial stress; and
- as organisations grow, their operations become more complex and additional business skills are required to strengthen the Sector's ability to operate with greater certainty in a challenging environment.
Ministers recognised that Governments' expectations for the Sector require clarification to achieve a better understanding between the Sector and funding agencies regarding creative risk taking and sustainability.
Ministers agreed on the elements of a strategy to enhance overall Sector sustainability in creative and financial terms. The Australia Council has developed a successful National Business Development Program for small to medium companies funded through the CMC budget.
At its February 2004 meeting CMC agreed to continue funding of $90,000 a year to extend the business development program subject to a review after three years.
Standing Committee Working Group
Report on an examination of the small to medium performing arts sector - Word format - PDF format.