As the  arts community around the country prepare to stage demonstrations later today in protest of the reforms to arts funding announced in last week’s 2015-16 Federal Budget, the Australia Council have published a statement outlining drastic cuts to its programmes in response to reductions to its annual budget.

The unexpected decrease in funding has come about by the redirecting of $110 million over the next four years to support the creation of the new Ministry for the Arts administered National Programme for Excellence in the Arts, including “efficiency savings” of $7million over the same period. “The Australia Council’s new appropriation for 2015-16 is $184.5M. As part of this appropriation the Australia Council will continue to deliver the Major Performing Arts framework, Visual Arts and Crafts Strategy, Playing Australia, Contemporary Touring Initiative and Contemporary Music Touring Programme, on behalf of the Australia Government,” the statement explains.

It continues, “These government directed programs make up 66% of the Council’s 2015-16 appropriations. The Council’s remaining funds are $62M, which is $23M less than expected.”  In response to the surprise budget constraints the Australia Council have suspended new applications to its June grant round, deferring existing applications to the September round. However the most...