Major Performing Arts Framework | Office for the Arts

We are seeking your views on how to strengthen the Major Performing Arts Framework, through which the major performing arts companies are supported to develop and present excellent artistic works and foster a vibrant and sustainable performing arts sector.

Why we want your input

Australia's Arts and Cultural Ministers have asked us to identify ways in which the MPA Framework can be strengthened. Your views will help us understand what you think of the current MPA Framework and how it could be strengthened.

How you can voice your opinion

You can complete our online survey. The survey is open until 13 August 2018, 5pm AEST.

What will be the outcome of this consultation?

Your views will inform our report to the Meeting of Cultural Ministers on opportunities to strengthen the MPA Framework.

The issue

The Major Performing Arts (MPA) sector forms an integral part of Australia's arts and culture. The MPA sector comprises 28 leading performing arts companies in the fields of dance, theatre, circus, opera, orchestral and chamber music.

2019 will mark 20 years since the 1999 Major Performing Arts Inquiry was established, which outlined criteria for how MPA companies should be funded. The adjustments to these arrangements agreed to in 2011 by the Australian Government and state governments were reflected in the National Framework for Governments' Support of the Major Performing Arts Sector (the MPA Framework). Information on funding from the Australia Council to the MPA companies is included in the Australia Council's 2016–17 annual report.

At the Meeting of Cultural Ministers (MCM) in September 2017, Arts and Cultural Ministers from all jurisdictions tasked officials to identify opportunities to strengthen the MPA Framework.

Ministers made this request in response to Recommendation 5.3 of the National Opera Review Final Report which stated that the MPA Framework may need to be reviewed in the medium to long term.

The MPA Framework has provided the MPA companies with certainty and stability in funding, which has enabled them to play an integral role in the development of the performing arts in Australia, both as a major employers of artists, creatives and arts workers and as leading presenters of high-quality work to audiences across Australia.

MPA company reporting to the Australia Council indicates that the companies provide employment to approximately 10,500 people and reach 4 million people through attendances at performances, school activities or workshops each year.

Since the MPA Framework’s inception, the Australian arts and culture landscape has undergone significant change. Australian society and audiences have developed, infrastructure and funding for the arts has evolved, technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate and Australian artists have become increasingly global in their focus, reach and activities.

This preliminary consultation process is a chance for you to provide your views on the MPA Framework and opportunities for it to be strengthened. This will inform officials’ report back to Ministers at the next MCM in September 2018 and consideration of whether the way the MPA Framework supports the MPA sector and Australia’s broader arts ecology could be improved.