Orchestras review evaluation

An independent evaluation has found that Australia’s six symphony orchestras have made a smooth transition to become fully independent companies following their divestment from the ABC.

At the request of the Australian Government, the Australia Council for the Arts commissioned the independent consulting firm LECG to evaluate the $25.4 million Orchestras Review 2005 funding package.

The evaluation concluded that since divestment from the ABC to independent company status the orchestras have made great strides artistically and financially in developing distinctive cultural identities and business models, although their financial outlook remains challenging, as is the case with many Australian performing arts companies.