<p>We have very few details of substance regarding the Coalition's recent move to take A$104.7 million from the Australia Council's budget and to set up the National Program for Excellence in the Arts.</p> <p>What we do know is that the 28 major arts organizations are safe – but that independent artists and the small to medium sector will have to withstand massive changes.</p> <p>Last week the Australia Council announced that its June funding round would not proceed and that its six year funding program for organisations had been suspended. The ArtStart, Creative Communities Partnerships Initiative and Artists in Residence programs have also been cut.</p>