Fri, 11 Oct 2019 - 17:03
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Media Release: National agreement on new framework to support the performing arts sector

The Morrison Government has secured high-level agreement from all states and territories to a new National Performing Arts Partnership (NPAP) Framework to support Australia’s performing arts sector.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher, said the joint agreement between the Australian, state and territory governments is a milestone achievement in the delivery of sustainable arts funding into the future.

Agreement was reached today at the annual Meeting of Cultural Ministers to replace the previous Major Performing Arts Framework with the new NPAP Framework.

“In securing agreement to this framework, the Morrison Government has delivered a significant outcome for Australia’s performing arts sector. All jurisdictions will continue to work together in relation to further improvements between now and early 2020,” said Minister Fletcher.

The new framework incorporates the key outcomes of the nationwide public consultation process in 2018, which included 8,026 survey responses, 370 formal submissions and 15 forums across the country.

“We listened to feedback from the arts sector and the public on the previous Major Performing Arts Framework in developing this new framework, which provides a flexible and transparent approach to supporting Australia’s leading performing arts companies. It also opens the way for other successful and innovative companies to be considered for support.”

Companies funded under the new framework, known as Partnership Organisations, will benefit from the stability of up to eight years of funding.

The new framework will provide:

  • a clear approach to prioritising outcomes for the Australian performing arts sector, audiences and communities, such as growing First Nations arts
  • a pathway to expand the number of funded companies through a two-stage invitation and assessment process
  • stability of funding balanced with flexibility so governments can jointly respond to changing priorities
  • increased transparency and accountability through enhanced reporting
  • a new approach to rewarding artistic and organisational excellence.

To read the full Communiqué from the Meeting of Cultural Ministers visit: https://www.arts.gov.au/mcm/meeting-summaries.