Background

The Department of the Arts was established under the Public Service Act 1978 on 1 July 1986 subsequent to the repeal of the Western Australian Arts Council Act.  On 20 May 1997 the name was changed to the Ministry of Culture and the Arts under the Public Sector Management Act.  On 1 July 2001 the name was redesignated to Department of Culture and the Arts (DCA) under section 35 of the Public Sector Management Act as a result of the Machinery of Government (review).

The DCA brings together the Culture and the Arts portfolio with the other organisations being the:

• Art Gallery of Western Australia (a statutory authority)
• State Library of Western Australia (a statutory authority)
• Western Australian Museum (a statutory authority)
• Perth Theatre Trust (a statutory authority)
  
• ScreenWest (an Incorporated Association)

The Department also provides support to The Bell Tower, which is managed by a Foundation.

The key objectives of the Machinery of Government which underpinned the reformed DCA were:

• Enhanced effectiveness
• Enhanced flexibility and responsiveness
• Improved capacity for prioritisation to meet Government needs
• Improved accountability
  
• Improved transparency of Government.

The DCA is led by the Director General, who recognises the independence, uniqueness and heritage of the organisations within the portfolio and employs staff allocated across the portfolio.

1. Background
2. Introduction
3. Culture and the Arts Portfolio - Functional Chart
4. Part 1 - Vision and Mission
5. Part 2 - Strategic Objectives 2005-2008
6. Making a Difference