Annual reports

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts annual report 2007–08

Volume one
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, 2008
ISSN 1441-9335

Outcome 4 - Arts and culture

Introduction

The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts provides advice to the Australian Government on arts and cultural policy issues and works closely with portfolio agencies, other departments, and state and territory agencies, to develop and implement national arts and cultural policies and programs.

Main responsibilities for this output
  • Developing policy, researchand statistics 
  • Administering legislation and funding
  • Supporting the elite national arts training organisations
  • Managing the National Portrait Gallery and Artbank
  • Working with portfolio agencies to achieve the government’s cultural and Indigenous objectives, and
  • Providing oversight of the National Network to deliver national Indigenous Arts, Culture, Languages and Broadcasting programs.

Arts Division, Culture Division, Old Parliament House and the National Portrait Gallery

Highlights

Indie rock/pop musician Tracy Redhead performing in Canberra.

Indie rock/pop musician Tracy Redhead performing in Canberra. The Australian Government is working with the contemporary music industry to enhance and grow its success. This includes developing coordinated export strategies; promotion of live music; and targeted support for the Indigenous contemporary music sector.

Photo: © Matty McConchie

Objectives

Results 2007–08

Strategies

Regional and touring programs

The department’s cultural touring programs continued to provide audiences across Australia, particularly in regional and remote areas, with access to high-quality performing and visual arts. Funding was provided to major organisations such as The Australian Ballet, Bell Shakespeare Company, Opera Australia, Circus Oz and the National Library of Australia. Smaller organisations were also supported, including Big hART, a not-for-profit community cultural development organisation for a tour of the Indigenous production Ngapartji Ngapartji to remote Northern Territory and South Australia. Funding included:

Regional cultural touring Programs: number of metropolitan (M) and regional (R) locations visited by touring exhibitions and productions in 2007–08
Program ACT NSW VIC SA QLD NT WA TAS
M R M R M R M R M R M R M R M R
Contemporary Music Touring program 17 0 25 126 21 41 13 11 23 32 3 16 7 41 3 6
Playing Australia 14 0 40 165 39 136 5 22 30 105 20 18 8 109 19 6
Visions of Australia 8 0 9 32 5 16 10 16 3 13 3 17 6 5 7 2
Regional and touring program statistics
  Playing Australia Contemporary Music Touring Program Festivals Australia Visions of Australia
Number of funded/administered activities in 2007–08 43 22 85 33
% of applications processed within target timeframe in 2007–08 100% 100% 100% 100%
% of payments made on time in 2007–08 100% 100% 100% 100%
% of funding agreements acquitted in 2007–08 81% 75% 96% 100%

Festivals Australia

The Festivals Australia program, including the Festivals Australia Regional Residencies initiative, supported 85 new arts projects at established regional and community festivals to the value of $1.32 million in 2007–08.

Regional Arts Fund

In the 2008–09 Budget, the Australian Government announced further funding of $11.8 million over four years from 2008–09 to 2011–12. This funding will enable ongoing cultural development in regional and remote Australia and assist the professional skills development of regional artists.

Indigenous arts and culture programs

Calling for National Indigenous Television at the AFL Central Australia Lightning Carnival Alice Springs: l-r Clarry Satour, Stan Coombe and Grant Hansen

Calling for National Indigenous Television at the AFL Central Australia Lightning Carnival Alice Springs: l-r Clarry Satour, Stan Coombe and Grant Hansen; the carnival is held over the Easter long weekend and teams travel hundreds of kilometres to participate.

Photo: © NITV

The department’s Indigenous arts and culture programs are delivered through a National Network, located throughout Australia in Indigenous Coordination Centres. The Network continued to focus on cross-government program delivery and identifying opportunities to participate in Shared Responsibility Agreements under the broadcasting, language and arts and culture Indigenous programs. The National Network structure was reviewed during the year, resulting in its move to the Arts Division. This move recognised the alignment between the department’s program activity in Canberra and the delivery undertaken by the regionally-based staff, and enhanced coordination efforts across the department’s Indigenous arts and culture programs:

2007–08 Indigenous Remote Radio Replacement (IRRR) allocation and geographic spread

Under the Indigenous Remote Radio Replacement program, the Australian Government is providing $3.3 million over three years until 2008–09 to replace ageing radio infrastructure for the community radio services provided by the Remote Indigenous Broadcasting Services. Most of these Indigenous organisations are located in very remote areas of Australia and the Torres Strait Islands, where they often provide the only locally relevant news and community information in their communities.

2007–08 Indigenous Remote Radio Replacement (IRRR) allocation and geographic spread
State Number of Projects Amounts Approved $ % of total funds
Northern Territory 30 1,214,428 36.8%
Queensland 29
(15 sites in the Torres Strait)		 1,102,553 33.5%
Western Australia 16 569,556 17.3%
South Australia 4 193,779 5.8%
Admin and training - 219,685 6.6%
Total 79 3,300,000 100%

Philanthropic support

The department encourages and facilitates sponsorship and philanthropic support for the cultural sector through the delivery of the Register of Cultural Organisations, the Cultural Gifts Program and the funding of the Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF).

The tables below show the number and value of gifts made to organisations on the Register of Cultural Organisations and gifts made through the Cultural Gifts Program over the last five years.

AbaF promotes private sector support through its partnering, volunteering and giving programs. A review of the performance of AbaF is currently underway and will be completed in 2008–09.

Register of Cultural Organisations – number and value of donations received*
  2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08
Number of donations 68,597 72,443 86,189 101,664 140,793
Total value ($m)** 40.0 37.2 45.0 58.6 54.6
Average value ($) 583 513 523 577 388

Notes:
* Includes contributions from individuals, business, and charitable trusts/foundations.
** The value of donations received for these financial years may increase as further statistical returns are received from registered cultural organisations.

Cultural Gifts Program – number and value of donations processed*
  2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08
Number of donations processed 508 651 615 596 617
Total value ($m) 24.7 47.2 28.9 33.4 43.2

Note: * Donations entered onto the department’s database and assessed by the committee

Case study: Screen Australia and the National Film and Sound Archive

On 20 March 2008, legislation establishing two new cultural agencies, Screen Australia and the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA), received Royal Assent. The legislation also included an Act to deal with transitional and consequential matters. This set the scene for the agencies to officially commence operations on 1 July 2008 as statutory authorities.

Screen Australia is a merger of the Australian Film Commission (AFC) (excluding the NFSA function), the Film Finance Corporation Australia and Film Australia Ltd. It is now the government’s primary agency for providing direct funding for the film and television industry. Its legislated functions enable the agency to provide a range of support mechanisms with an emphasis on cultural outcomes, while still emphasising improved commercial sustainability for the industry.

The de-merger of the NFSA from the AFC also included the transfer of some of the AFC’s public access programs, to further strengthen its role and improve its ability to promote and deliver access to its moving image and sound collection.

During the drafting of the legislation, the department consulted extensively with relevant government departments, senior officials from the respective agencies and the industry. Exposure drafts of the Screen Australia Bill 2008 and the National Film and Sound Archive Bill 2008 were released for public comment prior to introduction into the Parliament.

An interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Screen Australia, Ms Lyn Maddock, was appointed in March 2008 to manage the merger of the three agencies until the appointment of the incoming board and permanent CEO. In June 2008, Ms Anthea Tinney was appointed as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Sound Archive and a seven member Board for each agency was appointed by the government.

During 2008–09, the department will continue working with Screen Australia and the NFSA to ensure appropriate governance and reporting arrangements are in place.

The Who Do You Think You Are? film crew pictured on location

Who Do You Think You Are? In this episode of the genealogy series, sports commentator Dennis Cometti has travelled to the West Australian mining town of Meekatharra to discover his family history. The film crew pictured on location: l-r Franco di Chiera, Director, Ian Pugsley, Glen Martin.

Photo: David Dare Parker. Courtesy of Screen Australia

Art Indemnity Australia

Art Indemnity Australia indemnified the following exhibitions:

Exhibitions were displayed in Perth, Canberra and Brisbane.

National collecting institutions

The department continued to support the national collecting institutions by assisting them to ensure that their governance and accountability responsibilities were met. In collaboration with the Heads of Collecting Institutions forum, the department contributed to a number of initiatives, including the development of a framework for the management of Commonwealth collections and guidelines for best practice in collecting cultural material.

The department supported two regional programs managed by the national collecting institutions. In 2007–08, $88,000 (including GST) was provided to support the Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme, managed by the Australian National Maritime Museum. The Community Heritage Grants program, managed by the National Library of Australia, was provided with $462,000 (including GST).

Support for the Bundanon Trust continued through funding of $1.541 million in 2007–08 for operating, capital maintenance and preservation costs.

Arts training organisations

Seven national performing arts training organisations were supported through the Government’s Cultural Development Program. The following organisations received operational funding totalling $14.305 million:

Educational Lending Right and Public Lending Right

The Educational Lending Right and Public Lending Right programs support the enrichment of Australian culture by encouraging the growth and development of Australian writing and publishing. Details of payments made under both programs are in the below tables.

Educational Lending Right payments
Number of payments made New claimants Creators Publishers Total payments ($m)
2005–06 440 9,423 355 10.408
2006–07 365 9,887 374 10.438
2007–08 372 10,275 383 10.469
Public Lending Right payments
Number of payments made New claimants Creators Publishers Total payments ($m)
2005–06 406 8,570 353 7.001
2006–07 380 8,525 341 7.091
2007–08 376 8,575 363 7.646

Artbank

Artbank continued to provide direct support to Australian artists through the acquisition, promotion and rental of artworks by Australian artists and craftspeople. The expanding Artbank collection is currently valued at approximately $32 million and comprises more than 9,500 works in a variety of styles and media by more than 3,000 artists. Artworks from the Artbank collection are rented by private, commercial and government clients, as well as Australian embassies and high commissions around the world.

Case study: Shared Responsibility Agreement – Arts Centre for Tjala Arts, in Amata South Australia

Tjala Arts, in the Amata community of South Australia (500 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs) is an Aboriginal owned and governed enterprise. The organisation has a vibrant Indigenous visual arts practice and its reputation is growing both nationally and internationally. Tjala Arts is one of the most successful centres on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. It has received operational funding through the National Arts and Crafts Industry Strategy (NACIS) program for the past six years. Since 2001, Tjala Arts has grown its business by around 100 per cent every year and has an annual turnover of more than $200,000. It is one of the few, and most important, sources of privately earned income in Amata.

Through a Shared Responsibility Agreement (SRA), the department made a substantial contribution towards the construction of a new arts centre for Tjala Arts. The minister agreed to a contribution from this department of $238,500 through the NACIS program. Other funding partners included:

The clear link between the proposed Tjala Arts SRA and the objectives of the NACIS program, as well as the substantial financial contributions of the South Australian government and other Australian government agencies, presented a unique opportunity for investment in infrastructure to facilitate professional Indigenous arts practice, addressing an acute area of need.

Tjala Arts Centre artist Katanari Tjillya working on a painting: Kapi Tjukula (rock hole)

Tjala Arts Centre artist Katanari Tjillya working on a painting: Kapi Tjukula (rock hole)

Photo: © Rebecca Rush

Film

During the year, the department developed legislation and related material to establish Screen Australia and the National Film and Sound Archive as separate statutory bodies from 1 July 2008.

It continued administering the phase-out of the 10B and 10BA film tax incentive schemes. The department also administered taxation programs that provide incentives for large budget film and television productions to locate in Australia and also the government’s funding agreements with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation and Ausfilm.

Divisions 10B and 10BA tax concessions and refundable film tax offset applications processed
  2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08
10BA provisional applications 204 214 351 250 664 80
10BA final applications 107 95 69 67 62 90
10B applications 60 63 58 74 165 15
Offset provisional applications 1 2 1 1 0 0
Offset final applications 1 5 5 6 3 7

Evaluation

Due to historical factors, Indigenous broadcasting organisations delivering similar services have received different levels of funding. To address this concern, and develop a more equitable funding model, a review was undertaken as part of the Indigenous Broadcasting program.

Following the review, a consultancy was undertaken to develop a new costing model for the program, which detailed the costs involved in operating Indigenous radio stations in urban and regional centres, Remote Indigenous Media Organisations and Remote Indigenous Broadcasting Services units. The outcomes of the review and consultant’s recommendations have already been implemented in the 2008–09 Indigenous broadcasting program funding round.

The Indigenous Broadcasting Program also has an agenda for conducting regular reviews of major Indigenous broadcasting organisations. In 2007–08 the national peak broadcasting body, the Australian Indigenous Communications Association, was reviewed.

The department has recently undertaken a post-implementation internal review of the National Indigenous Television service, which showed that it is on track to achieve its target and meet performance indicators.

An internal business analysis review was undertaken of the department’s Culture Portal to gauge efficiency and positioning in the culture sector. The Culture Portal was found to be the 15th most visited government website and one of the two most efficient Australian Government portals or similarly structured sites.

The National Arts and Crafts Industry Support program is currently being evaluated by the Office of Evaluation and Audit, to ensure administration of the program is consistent with Australian National Audit Office best practice guidelines for program development and delivery. The evaluation is part of a schedule of evaluations and audits of Indigenous-specific programs across eight portfolios, to be carried out over 2007–10. This evaluation will allow reflection on the program’s effectiveness and the extent to which it is meeting government priorities and the objectives of the program.

Funding is provided to national performing arts training organisations from the Cultural Development Program through Australian Government funding agreements, which set out the outcomes and reporting obligations of each organisation. In 2007–08 the arts training organisations delivered elite level training and maintained demand for training in their specific art form.

Evidence provided in project acquittals under the Contemporary Music Touring Program suggests that program funding provided opportunities to significantly extend touring by contemporary music groups to regional venues outside established touring circuits.

Case study: St Joseph’s School, Walgett – Gamilaraay and Yuwaalaraay Language Program

Language publications covers

St Joseph’s School in Walgett received funding through the Maintenance of Indigenous Languages and Records program for their ongoing Indigenous language program. The program teaches students from pre-school to year six the local Gamilaraay and Yuwaalaraay languages.

The program has had a number of positive effects within the school and the wider community that have enhanced academic outcomes for the students involved. St Joseph’s believes that since the introduction of the language program, the skills gained by the students involved have been transferred to their study of English and are reflected in the overall improvement by students in their academic outcomes. It is also believed that the language program is contributing to an improvement in the participation and attendance rates of Indigenous students at the school and increases in the self-confidence, pride and cultural awareness of these students. The program is also playing a significant role in increasing the awareness amongst non-Indigenous students of Indigenous culture and languages.

Schoolchildren at St Joseph€™s Primary School, Walgett

Schoolchildren at St Joseph€™s Primary School, Walgett, where the Maintenance of Indigenous Languages and Records program has funded classes in the Gamilaraay and Yuwaalaraay languages.

Photo: Lisa Wiltse. © Fairfax Photos

Old Parliament House and the National Portrait Gallery

Old Parliament House is an icon of outstanding national significance, symbolising the events that shaped Australia’s parliamentary democracy, and a National Heritage listed building. It seeks to provide a unique and entertaining visitor experience by presenting a range of exhibitions, tours, interpretation, education programs and public activities. These highlight Australia’s political, parliamentary and social history, our democratic values and the building that was the seat of our federal government from 1927 to 1988.

George Tjungurrayi (2002) by Matthys Gerber

George Tjungurrayi (2002) by Matthÿs Gerber (b.1956). Oil on polyester. Collection: National Portrait Gallery, Canberra. Tjungurrayi, of the Pintupi/Luritja/Ngaatjatjarra language group from Kintore, NT, is a member of the Papunya Tula artists and is a custodian of important mythological occurrences in his country. Matthÿs Gerber was born in the Netherlands and has lived in Australia since 1972. The portrait was a gift of Pamela Hansford in 2007.

Photo: © Matthÿs Gerber

The National Portrait Gallery increases the understanding of the Australian people about their identity, history, creativity and culture, through portraiture. It has developed as a highly valued national collecting institution with a significant collection and a substantial reputation for the quality of its exhibitions.

Highlights

Visitor and Usage Statistics

1 – Functions, café and restaurant patrons
  2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08
Café patrons* 62,319 60,960 85,168 129,208 137,630 132,585 96,376
Function patrons 36,807 30,837 34,590 36,167 40,108 45,994 35,477
Ginger Room patrons     2,206 8,791 9,657 10,768 11,453
Total patrons 99,126 91,797 121,964 174,166 187,395 189,347 143,306

Notes:
*Café exit surveys show that only 39% of café patrons visited specifically for the café. The remaining 61% of café patrons were paying Old Parliament House visitors who have also been accounted for under museum visitors.

**Café drop-off in patrons  2007–08 due to fall in Happy Hour patronage (outdoor functions-poor weather, etc); fewer functions in lead-up to the election and afterwards (numerous bookings cancelled with calling of election, etc) and opening of competing venues.

2 – Museum visitors to Old Parliament House and National Portrait Gallery (including school students & teachers)
  2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08
Museum visitors – Old Parliament House/National Portrait Gallery site 172,120 161,213 147,440 178,653 181,589 174,642 208,046
National Portrait Gallery Commonwealth Place
(closed March 2008)		   28,444
(Nov–June)		 33,564 43,852 38,704 29,323 19,203
Total visitors 172,120 189,657 181,004 222,505 220,293 203,965 227,249
3 – Old Parliament House school visitor numbers*
  2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08
Total student numbers 25,629 33,702 34,171 40,211 45,038 45,051 56,864 76,420
% of total Museum visitor numbers to main site 15% 20% 21% 27% 25% 24.8% 32.6% 36.7%

Note:
* School visitor numbers are included in the “Main Old Parliament House/National Portrait Gallery site” figures

4 – Old Parliament House – website statistics
  2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08
Total visits 57,939 69,689 99,091 137,533 179,240 260,915
Change from previous year Not available +20% +42% +39% +30% +63%
5 – National Portrait Gallery – website statistics
  2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08
Total visits 50 000 approx 62,270 179,877 527,199 703,578 1,604,040
Change from previous year Not available +25% +165% +192% +33.5% +228%

Note:
* The NPG website experienced a significant increase in visits, due to the first online exhibition Animated, launched in October 2007)

Results for performance indicators

Focus of work Performance indicator
Outcome 4: Develop a rich and stimulating cultural sector for all Australians
Overall
The Minister is satisfied with the timeliness and accuracy of briefs and draft ministerial correspondence provided by the department. -
Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of funding (Target: 100%) 99.9% of payments were actioned on time. Due to machinery of government changes short delays were experienced in sending a small number of payments.
Policy advice, program management and agency support which provides excellence in, presentation and maintenance of, and access to, Australia’s cultural activities, national cultural collections and buildings, and Indigenous languages Ministers were satisfied with the quality of policy advice, program management and agency support provided.
Number of initiatives/reviews/discussion papers where the department undertook consultation with stakeholders.

Percentage and number of clients satisfied with interactions with the department and the services provided.  		A consultancy was undertaken to develop a costing model for the Indigenous Broadcasting Program.

Effective consultation through the Interdepartmental Committee on the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry resulted in timely advice to the incoming government.

The department consulted industry on revised guidelines for entering film co-production arrangements as well as screen agency and film incentives legislation. The department conducted a review of the operations of the Australia Business Arts Foundation. The consultant engaged to assist with the review, McGrathNicol, consulted widely with stakeholders.

The department consulted with industry to progress the government’s election commitments for the Australian contemporary music industry.

The department consulted with state and territory governments, local government, regional arts organisations and the visual and performing arts sectors to progress the government’s election commitment on the possible transfer of arts programs to the Australia Council.
Regional Cultural Activities: including touring programs (Visions of Australia, Playing Australia, Contemporary Music Touring Program), Festivals programs and Regional Arts Fund
Increased access to high quality cultural experiences, particularly in regional and remote areas.

Number and type of funded performances/exhibitions/events reported by state/territory and metropolitan/regional/remote categories. 		Visions of Australia

The Program funded 33 exhibitions in 2007–08. Exhibition projects funded have toured or will tour to 152 venues across all states and territories in Australia, 101 of these venues being in regional and remote locations.

NSW (41 venues)
VIC (22 venues)
ACT (8 venues)
NT (20 venues)
QLD (15 venues)
SA (26 venues)
TAS (9 venues)
WA (11 venues)

TOTAL: 152 venues

Playing Australia

This program funded 43 performing arts tours in 2007–08. Funded tours have made or will make 736 venue visits across all states and territories in Australia, with 561 of these visits being in regional and remote locations.

NSW (205 venues)
VIC (175 venues)
ACT (14 venues)
NT (38 venues)
QLD (135 venues)
SA (27 venues)
TAS (25 venues)
WA (117 venues)

TOTAL: 736 venues visited

Contemporary Music Touring Program

This program funded 22 proposed music tours in 2007–08 to 385 venues, of which 273 were in regional and remote locations.

NSW (151 venues)
VIC (62 venues)
ACT (17 venues)
NT (19 venues)
QLD (55 venues)
SA (24 venues)
TAS (9 venues)
WA (48 venues)

TOTAL: 385 venues

Festivals Australia

This program funded 69 festival projects, and 16 residencies under the Festivals Australia Regional Residencies initiative, in 2007-08. Funded activities have occurred or will occur in the following states and territory:

NSW (21 projects, inc. 3 residencies)
VIC (12 projects, inc. 5 residencies)
ACT (0)
NT (5 projects, inc. 1 residency)
QLD (22 projects, inc. 3 residencies)
SA (10 projects)
TAS (6 projects)
WA (9 projects, inc. 4 residencies)

TOTAL: 85 projects/residencies (78 in regional/remote locations and 7 in capital/metropolitan locations)

Regional Arts Fund

This program provided devolved funding to state Regional Arts Organisations and the arts ministries in the territories, which funded 209 projects in regional and remote locations across all states and territories in Australia in 2007–08.

NSW (25 projects)
VIC (24 projects)
ACT (14 projects)
NT (10 projects)
QLD (24 projects)
SA (49 projects)
TAS (47 projects)
WA (16 projects)

TOTAL: 209 projects
Public Lending Right and Educational Lending Right
The number of creators and publishers paid with each program. The number of books registered with the programs. The number of payments to creators and publishers made for each program. The Educational Lending Right (ELR) and Public Lending Right (PLR) programs provide payments to eligible Australian creators (authors, editors, illustrators, translators and compilers) and publishers whose books are held in educational and public lending libraries. Approximately 103,000 books are now registered with the programs.

The number of claimants that received an ELR payment in 2007–08 was 10,658 and 8,938 claimants were paid by the PLR.

There is a continuing increase in new claimants receiving payments under the ELR program, with a 3.87% increase in 2007–08. The claimant numbers for PLR remain comparatively stable.
Prime Minister’s Literary Award
Awards process and related events are managed to satisfaction of key stakeholders

Awards process managed on time and on budget 		Applications for the 2008 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards closed on 28 March 2008. Over 190 books were entered for the Awards.
Commonwealth and Public Companies
The extent to which the funded companies have met funding objectives and reporting requirements. All film companies have met their respective reporting requirements and funding obligations. The Film Finance Corporation invested $87 million in a diverse slate of feature films, television drama and documentaries, which generated a total production value of $297 million. Film Australia concluded its contract with the Government by delivering the final 22 National Interest Program points and the final documentaries as part of the History Initiative. The Australian Children’s Television Foundation continued its role of supporting the development and production of high quality television programs for children.

The Australia Business Arts Foundation met its reporting requirements under the 2007–08 funding agreement and exceeded planned targets in a number of its programs, including: attendances at events connecting arts and business, giving programs facilitated for artists and arts organisations, and the number of arts managers participating in professional development workshops.

The Bundanon Trust met all its reporting requirements for 2007–08, set out in the new funding deed for the period 2007–08 to 2010–11. Under the terms of the deed, the Trust received funding of $1.541 million in 2007–08 for operating, capital maintenance and preservation costs. During 2007–08, the Trust achieved an increase in attendance, with 15,309 visitors, compared with 11,377 in 2006–07. Stage 2 of the upgrade of the Riversdale access road was also completed during 2007–08, providing significantly improved access to the property.
Art Indemnity Australia
Increased access to significant cultural exhibitions. Number, value, geographic spread and attendance figures for indemnified exhibitions. Art Indemnity Australia (AIA)

Three exhibitions were indemnified by AIA in 2007–08. AIA indemnified exhibitions were displayed in three states. It indemnified $1.604 billion of works in 2007–08.

AIA indemnified exhibitions were attended by 288,784 visitors in 2007–08.
Indigenous Languages and Culture Programs
Impact and range of activities funded. Number and type of activities supported. Number of languages supported. Maintenance of Indigenous languages and records (MILR)

72 MILR projects were funded in 2007–08 to assist a range of activities including the operation of language centres, the documentation and recording of language, development of language resources and activities to increase the awareness and appreciation of Indigenous languages. In 2007–08, the MILR program supported about 160 Indigenous languages.

Indigenous Culture Support (ICS)

133 ICS projects were funded in 2007–08 to assist a range of activities including the operation of cultural centres, teaching of cultural traditions across generations, cultural camps, art and craft production, dance and music festivals and multi-media cultural productions.

The MILR and ICS programs are part of the Australian Government whole of government Indigenous funding round, coordinated by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. The department assessed and managed applications within the whole of government timeframe and entered into funding agreements with recipients of funding.
Indigenous Arts and Crafts Industry
Impact and range of activities funded. Number and type of art centres and art support groups supported. National Arts and Crafts Industry Support (NACIS) program 2007–08

In 2007–08 NACIS provided funding to support the operation of 66 Indigenous art centres and arts advocacy organisations (through 68 activities) across Australia – with 29 in the Northern Territory, 13 in Western Australia, 9 in South Australia, 8 in Queensland, 4 in New South Wales and 3 in Victoria. Of these, 49 organisations are located in remote and very remote areas. These organisations provide essential services in supporting and developing professional Indigenous visual arts practice, thus enhancing economic opportunities.

An additional 36 projects, delivered across 32 organisations, were supported to a total funding budget of $1.6 million. This included 19 projects in the Northern Territory, 4 in New South Wales, 6 in Queensland, 1 in South Australia, 3 in Victoria and 3 in Western Australia.

Special Initiative 2007–08

28 projects, delivered across 24 organisations, were supported to a total funding budget of $1.31 million, which included $310,000 through the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy (VACS). The geographical spread included 19 in the Northern Territory, three in Western Australia, two in South Australia, and one each in New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland.

The NACIS program is part of the Australian Government’s whole of government Indigenous funding round, coordinated by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. The department assessed and managed applications within the whole of government timeframe and entered into funding agreements with recipients of funding.
Arts Training Organisations
Demand for training (evidence of reputation of quality training and pathway to chosen career). In the 2008 academic year 1,002 students were enrolled at the national arts training organisations. This includes 485 participants in the Australian Youth Orchestra’s 2008 programs.

Demand for training is high and is greater than the places available, which ensures that the very best applicants are selected. For example, for its 2008 intake the National Institute of Dramatic Art received 1,556 applications, from these 65 applicants were offered places.

Many graduates find work in their chosen field, both nationally and internationally. For example, graduates of the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) are employed by international circus companies such as the world renowned Cirque du Soleil; 75% of the 2007 Australian Ballet School graduates were contracted to ballet companies in Australia and overseas; Australian Youth Orchestra alumni perform with professional orchestras including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Camerata Australia and alumni have also performed at international festivals in New York, Denmark, Canada and Italy; and graduates of the Flying Fruit Fly Circus are employed by performing arts companies such as Cirque du Soleil and Circus Oz and continue studies in circus arts at NICA, Beijing International Circus School, Montreal Circus School and Circus Camp USA.

The quality of the training provided is recognised nationally, and internationally. For example, in July 2007 the Australian Youth Orchestra tour of Europe received critical acclaim; the National Institute of Dramatic Art was selected, as one of the top fourteen theatre schools in the world, to join the newly established UNESCO International Theatre Institute World Consortium of Theatre Schools and the Director of the Australian Ballet School adjudicated at prestigious international ballet competitions, including the Prix de Lausanne.
  1. Number of funded/administered activities
  2. Percentage of applications processed within target timeframe
  3. Percentage of payments made on time
  4. Percentage of funding agreements acquitted each financial year
Applications are assessed in accordance with agreed arrangements or guidelines

Programs are implemented on time and within budget.		 Arts and Culture Divisions
  1. 677 funded/administered activities. 
  2. 100% of applications processed within target timeframes, where all relevant information was provided by applicants.
  3. 99.9% of payments were actioned on time. Due to machinery of government changes short delays were experienced in sending a small number of payments.
  4. 99.3% of funding agreements acquitted in 2007–08
100% of applications assessed in accordance with agreed arrangements or guidelines. Feedback from the Australian Taxation Office indicates administration of the Refundable Film Tax Offset fully complied with legislative requirements.

Programs were implemented on time and on budget with variations negotiated on a project by project basis as required.

Number and subject of research and analysis activities undertaken either internally or by contractors and consultants. 

Audience segmentation research

Old Parliament House received the preliminary research findings of a research consultancy intended to define its current and potential visitors into segments and provide a comprehensive profile of each of these groups.

Gallery of Australian Democracy/Australian Prime Ministers Centre consultancies

A consultant undertook qualitative research to gauge audience responses to draft themes suggested for Old Parliament House’s Gallery of Australian Democracy initiatives.

A consultant conducted qualitative and quantitative research into likely teachers’ needs in relation to the planned onsite, online and outreach education programs of Old Parliament House’s Gallery of Australian Democracy initiatives.

Fellowships

Old Parliament House’s Australian Prime Ministers Centre commenced its Research and Scholarship program in 2007–08.  This offers Summer Scholarships for those in the early stages of their research careers and Fellowships for more experienced researchers. Three Scholarships and seven Fellowships were awarded in 2007–08. All Fellows and Scholars contribute to Old Parliament house program and research activities.
Connect Australia – Backing Indigenous Ability – National Indigenous Television (NITV)
Development of the Indigenous television and production sector throughout Australia:
  • Number of Indigenous people employed in production of Indigenous-related television content through the National Indigenous Television program
  • Number of remote Indigenous communities involved in production of content through the National Indigenous Television program
  • Number of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and communities with access to the service.
 At this point all indications are that NITV is on track to meet its target. However, its performance against this Performance Indicator cannot yet be quantified reliably as commissioned audience research is not scheduled to commence until December 2008.

345 (employed in production of Indigenous-related television content through the National Indigenous Television program)

66 (number of remote Indigenous communities involved in production of content through the national Indigenous Television program)

In relation to the number of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and communities with access to the service, this data is not yet available as commissioned audience research is not scheduled to commence until December 2008.
Connect Australia – Backing Indigenous Ability – Radio Program
Number of Remote Indigenous Broadcasting Services (RIBS) where obsolete radio equipment has been replaced. Restoring radio infrastructure will promote the maintenance of cultural communications links within and between remote Indigenous communities. Equipment distribution commenced in March 2008 and by the end of June 2008 it was delivered to Remote Indigenous Media Organisations for installation at RIBS locations.
Indigenous Broadcasting Program (IBP)
Number of Indigenous broadcasting organisations funded. 92 IBP projects were approved for funding.  These projects promote the maintenance of cultural communications links within, and between, Indigenous communities. They improve Indigenous broadcasting operations so that they are able to support traditional language and culture, and can contribute to community cohesion.
Output 4.1 Policy advice, program management and agency support that promotes excellence in, preservation and maintenance of, and access to, Australia’s cultural activities, cultural collections and Indigenous languages
Old Parliament House and the National Portrait Gallery
Qualitative evaluation, analysing adherence to approved organisational plans and policies.

Growth and conservation of the National Portrait Gallery collection and/or notable/major acquisitions.

Collections held by the National Portrait Gallery and Old Parliament House continued to grow as a result of commissions, purchases and donations.

National Portrait Gallery Collection

The National Portrait Gallery collection of portraiture has been developed through a combination of donations, purchases (many using donated funds) and commissions. The cumulative number of items in the National Portrait Gallery collection at 30 June 2008 was 1,234 artworks, with an assessed value of $17.875 million.

Key 2007–08 additions included:

  • A portrait of actress Hilda Spong by Tom Roberts (Purchase with donated funds).
  • A portrait of Captain Kinghorne by Thomas Lempriere (Purchase with donated funds).
  • A portrait of Melbourne-born opera singer Florence Austral by Howard Barron (Donation).
  • Photographs by Freeman Brothers of bushrangers Frederick Lowry and Frank Gardiner (Purchase).
  • A portrait of Nancy Bird Walton, (Donation by the subject).
  • A portrait of medical scientist Dr Basil Hetzel (Commission).
  • A portrait of Senator Bonner by Robert Campbell Junior (Purchase with donated funds).
Notable/major acquisitions, and conservation of, the Old Parliament House collection Old Parliament House Collection

The Old Parliament House collection consists primarily of items from the building’s original furniture and fittings. The collection value at 30 June 2008 was estimated at $4.178 million. Old Parliament House continued to develop its political and parliament-related collection, particularly for the development of the new Australian Prime Ministers Centre. The value of this associated collection as at 30 June 2008 was estimated at $0.562 million.

Key acquisitions included:
  • A bust of former Prime Minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce.
  • A David Naseby portrait of former Prime Minister Sir John Gorton.
  • A desk used by every Prime Minister from Stanley Melbourne Bruce to Gough Whitlam, and by John Howard.
  • The 1927–1972 Cabinet Table.
Qualitative evaluation, citing adherence to relevant legislation requirements (including the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) and approved organisational plans and policies. Progress in implementation of major initiatives. Old Parliament House Building Refurbishments

Refurbishment projects to extend the life of the Old Parliament House building, and conservation works to preserve its original fabric are continuing. These activities were undertaken in accordance with the relevant legislation, works codes, standards and policies. In particular, projects were planned and implemented for the Australian Prime Minister’s Centre and other “Gallery of Australian Democracy” initiatives.

A review of visitor access facilities for Old Parliament House was undertaken. 

Major Initiatives

Planning and development of Old Parliament House’s “Gallery of Australian Democracy” initiatives continued, with the development of key themes and specific projects.

Operations of Stage One of the Australian Prime Ministers Centre continued. Stage one consists of an exhibition space, resource area and reading room, and experienced good levels of visitation and usage. It’s Research and Scholarship Program commenced operations, providing seven Fellowships and three Summer Scholarships in Prime Ministerial studies. 

Old Parliament House interpretive activities focused on preparation for forthcoming major projects, particularly the “Gallery of Australian Democracy” initiatives. A new interpretation plan was finalised in June 2008, and will underpin interpretative activity for the new initiatives.

Old Parliament House/National Portrait Gallery Visitor numbers showed good growth over 2007–08, with front of House numbers increasing by almost 10% from 189,347 to 208,046. 

Key activities in the year included:

Exhibitions (Old Parliament House)
  • Scarred and Strengthened: Australians in the Great Depression (17 May – 27 November 2007).
  • Reconciliation: It’s All About Us (27 May – 28 October 2007).
  • Mrs Prime Minister – Public Image, Private Lives. (An “extract” from the earlier 2006 exhibition ran 30 August – 2 December 2007, and a touring version ran 13 March – 29 June 2008).
  • Olympic Cities: Designing for Winning (9 November 2007 – 10 March 2008).
  • Contact/s 30: The Art of Photojournalism (3 April – 1 June 2008).
  • Billy Hughes at War (from 11 June 2008)
Exhibitions (National Portrait Gallery)
  • Reveries: photography and mortality (28 April – 5 August 2007)
  • Studio: Australian Painters Photographed by R Ian Lloyd (13 July – 2 September 2007)
  • A D Hope and his circle (16 July – 26 August 2007)
  • Portraits by John Brack (24 August – 18 November 2007)
  • Headspace 8: The Journey (15 September – 4 November 2007)
  • Matisse and Portraits (21 September – 21 October 2007)
  • Animated (On-line exhibition) www.portrait.gov.au  (Launched 26 October 2007)
  • Matthew Perceval Portraits (24 November 2007 – 23 March 2008)
  • Hall of Mirrors: Anne Zahalka Portraits 1987-2007 (23 November 2007 – 31 March 2008)
  • National Photographic Portrait Prize (6 December 2007 – 23 March 2008)
  • National Youth Self-Portrait Prize (27 March – 27 April 2008)
Touring Exhibitions
  • Karin Catt Portraits State Library of Victoria 13 July – 11 November 2007
  • Reveries: photography and mortality University Art Museum, University of Queensland (31 August – 4 November 2007) Mornington Peninsular Art Gallery (19 March - 18 May 2008)
Exhibitions were complemented by a range of associated programs and activities.

Other NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY activities include:
  • Inspiration + Realisation: Portrait Masterclass series, with artists Jiawei Shen, Wendy Sharpe and Jenny Sages.
  • Portraits on Sunday; a monthly NationalPortrait Gallery-based talk.
  • The National Portrait Gallery produced four Portrait magazines in 2007–08.
  • Ms Hilary Spurlingdelivered the 2008 Annual Lecture Matisse’s Women in September 2007.
Percentage change and number of visitors, as measured by paying visitors and other relevant sectors; e.g. growth in school visitors, geographical breakdown, attendance at exhibitions, events and public programs, patronage of facilities (e.g. café, restaurant, functions) and use of OPH/NPG online programs. Education

76,420 school students visited Old Parliament House in 2007–08, up 34% from 56,864 in the previous year, and were provided with a range of education programs. Old Parliament House participated in the development and presentation of the inaugural History Teachers Summer School, held in January 2008, as part of a consortium developed by the Australian National University, presenting programs to participants at Old Parliament House.

The National Portrait Gallery also operated a strong student education and public programs, including gallery talks and workshops, with 9,626 primary, secondary and tertiary students participating in education programs, and 3,741 participants in public programs.

Websites and online activity

Old Parliament House and the National Portrait Gallery have continued to maintain and update their websites. Visitation levels are set out under ‘website statistics’ in the table ‘Visitor and Usage Statistics’ above.
Percentage and number of visitors that rate satisfaction as ‘good’ or ‘very good’. Visitor Satisfaction

Forward development of new initiatives for Old Parliament House has included extensive audience consultation, which was factored into the development process. Strong positive feedback has continued to be received from Old Parliament House-National Portrait Gallery visitors and school groups.

Note: Performance indicators also taken from Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Portfolio Budget Statements 2007–08 on transfer of functions in January 2008.

Output 4.1: Policy Advice, program management and agency support
Departmental outputs Budget prices  $000’s Actual expenses $000’s
Output 4.1: Policy Advice, program management and agency support 46 516 44 391
Total (Output 4.1: Policy Advice, program management and agency support) 46 516 44 391
Administered items
Cultural Development Program 35 769 34 206
Indigenous Arts and Culture 13 772 14 070
Depreciation 2 491 4 617
Film Finance Corporation 22 800 22 800
Art Indemnity 3 314 635
Indigenous Broadcasting 7 653 7 120
Connect Australia 8 982 8 960
Public Lending Right 7 994 7 924
Educational Lending Right 10 469 10 495
A creative Australia – Prime Minister’s Literary Award Establishment 200 -
Books Alive 2 000 2 000
Other
Gallery of Australian Democracy - 833
Total (Administered) 115 444 113 660

Footnote:
1 National Treasures from Australia€™s Great Libraries was granted indemnity in 2005-06.

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