The Council

The Australia Council for the Arts is a statutory authority of the Australian Government, established under the Australia Council Act 1975.

The Australia Council's governing body - the Council - sets and monitors the organisation’s policies, priorities and budget framework.

The Council is made up of between 10 and 14 members, with a balance of expertise in the arts, business, management, public policy, corporate governance and administration. It includes a chairperson, deputy chairperson, chief executive officer (ex officio), chairs of each artform board and community interest representatives.

The Governor-General appoints the chairperson on advice of the Australian Government's Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts. The Minister appoints members of the Council. Council members are generally appointed for a term of three years, up to a total maximum of six years.