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 Arts and Sport. 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.