  | Description of this AgencyDescription of this Agency |
Establishment
Following significant machinery of government changes after the election of the first Kenneth Government in October 1992, Arts Victoria VA 4416 within the Department of Arts, Sport amd Recreation (VA 3095, DAST) assumed all functions of the Ministry for the Arts (VA 1025).
In 1996, following the election the eleven existing Victorian Government agencies were restructured to form eight departments. Arts Victoria was established as a division of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
Functions
Arts Victoria has the dual function of being Government's arts funding body with a charter to increase the public awareness of and accessibility to the arts in Victoria and of having broad administrative responsibility for its various branches and agencies. Arts Victoria performs these functions by funding arts organisations through the State and through the services provided by the branches and agencies.
Arts Victoria is responsible for the implementation of the State Government's arts policy that seeks to develop a vibrant and dynamic arts industry and position Victoria as the cultural capital of Australia. Arts Victoria is also responsible for overseeing the state-owned cultural agencies - Cinemedia, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Museum of Victoria, National Gallery of Victoria, Public Record Office Victoria, State Library of Victoria and the Victorian Arts Centre Trust. In addition, Arts Victoria has coordinating responsibility for Victoria's Centenary of Federation cultural and civic program.