The Art of Tax Reform: What Tax Reforms should be Introduced to Assist the Australian Arts Sector?

Abstract

Within the 2020 Summit coordinated by the Australian Federal Government, at least 19 recommendations by the committee on 'Towards a creative Australia' related to proposed tax changes. This would indicate that those on this Committee consider that Australia's tax system has an important role to play in contributing to a sustainable arts sector. This article reports on the survey results of 236 people involved in the arts sector (either as artists, art organisations, advisors or supporters), and details the findings in terms of ascertaining a greater appreciation of which possible tax reforms to assist the arts have greater appeal and to identify any possible problems with their implementation.

Given the survey results, it is argued that some reforms have greater potential – and it is these that serious consideration should be given to contribute to a sustainable arts sector.