Arts groups want examination of new fund

A group of arts organisations is calling on parliament to examine the $105 million budget cut to the Australia Council that will be funnelled into a ministerial excellence program.

The new national program for excellence in the arts will be run from the arts ministry within the Attorney-General's Department, with ultimate oversight falling to minister George Brandis, in a move the sector fears will damage the Australia Council's brand.

"Senator Brandis has failed to provide anything other than anecdotal evidence to justify his actions," the arts groups said in a statement on Monday.