The Australian arts sector will face cuts of more than $100 million across the board.

Last night’s budget announcement hit all Australians, but it seems that the nation’s arts industry will be among the biggest sufferers.

Funding cuts will mainly occur to the Australia Council for the Arts, the nation’s arts funding and advisory body. The Council will receive a one-off cut, as well as reductions of approximately $6 million over the next three years.

The Commission of Audit had earlier this month recommended a merger between the Australia Council and Screen Australia, as well as a 50% cut to the latter organisation. Last night’s budget announcement confirmed that Screen Australia will receive $25.1 million worth of cuts over four years.

The funding cuts are likely to have a devastating impact to the development and engagement of Australia’s arts and cultural sectors. A spokesperson for the Australia Council for the Arts said: “The council is currently considering the most appropriate ways to apply this adjustment, with a focus on minimising the impact across the sector. Core operational funding to the major performing arts companies, the visual arts and crafts strategy, key small to medium arts organisations and regional touring will not...