Senate committee to look at arts funding

The impact of federal government funding changes to Australia's art sector will be investigated by a parliamentary committee.

Labor and the Australian Greens on Tuesday won Senate support to refer the impact of the government's budget decisions, including the establishment of a National Program for Excellence in the Arts, to an upper house committee.

The inquiry will look at the program's administration by the office of Arts Minister George Brandis and the ability for artists to maintain freedom from political influence.