FED: Alston announces inquiry into Aust performing arts

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-1998
FED: Alston announces inquiry into Aust performing arts

CANBERRA, Dec 15 AAP - Federal Arts Minister Richard Alston today announced a wide-ranging
inquiry into the financial health of Australias performing arts.

The inquiry will canvass options for shoring up the fortunes of arts companies, hit by
stagnant funding and competition for the entertainment dollar.

Senator Alston said the Australian performing arts sector, including opera, ballet,
orchestras, and other music, dance and theatre groups, was noted for excellence but faced
ongoing challenges to its financial and audience base.

"The inquiry will therefore make recommendations on actions that can be taken by the
federal, state and territory governments and by the companies themselves to ensure that
Australia continues to enjoy a financially healthy, artistically vibrant and broadly
accessible major performing arts sector," Senator Alston said in a statement.

The inquiry will be headed by Australia Council deputy chairwoman Helen Nugent.

"A major focus of the inquiry will be the sectors ability to respond to the forces of
change, both global and local, which are having an impact on long-term stability and
development," Senator Alston said.

It was sparked by the Australia Council report, Managing the Future, which found despite
better financial management, combined losses exceeded $12 million over the past five years.

Problems included rising costs, constrained box office growth particularly in smaller
states, oversupply of venue capacity in some cities, competition for corporate sponsorship and
static funding from all levels of government.

"The findings of this report cannot be ignored. Failure to deal with the issues it raised
could jeopardise the future of performing arts in this country," Senator Alston said.

He said the inquiry was not seeking to change the content or focus of any companies.

"Nor is the government seeking excuses to reduce funding for the sector. The government
remains committed to long-term support for the arts," Senator Alston said.

Dr Nugent, Westpacs director of strategy, has stood down from her Australia Council roles
and resigned as Opera Australia deputy chairwoman.

Other inquiry members are Wesfarmers managing director Michael Chaney; Hoyts Cinemas
chairman and head of last years review of film funding, David Gonski; and National Australia
Bank director Catherine Walter.

The inquiry, the first of its type in Australia, will commence in February and report
before next Junes Cultural Ministers Council.

AAP fh/mfh/cfm/de

KEYWORD: ARTS NIGHTLEAD

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