The passing of the Australia Council Bill in June 2013 paved the way for the biggest changes to the structure and operation of the Federal Government’s arts funding and advisory body since it was established in 1975. The changes began with the appointment of nine new Board members who replaced the previous members drawn from the heads of specific art form boards. Since that time, under the leadership of new CEO Tony Grybowski, the Australia Council has been reviewing its organisational structure and funding programs. The aim is to make the agency more responsive to contemporary art making.

As 2014 got underway, SAMAG met again with Australia Council CEO Tony Grybowski and Executive Director, Arts Funding Frank Panucci and discussed the review process and the implications for artists and companies. The evening provided an opportunity to ask direct questions relating to specific areas of arts practice. The informal discussion bagan with some background to the purpose and goals of the review before unpacking how the process has been delivered, the current position and projected completion.