The arts is set to disappear next year in a Federal Government shake up and merger of departments - and creatives are invited to attend a meeting today discuss the future of the arts.

In February next year, the Federal Government will merge the Department of Communications and the Arts, with transport, infrastructure and regional development.

The creation of a new mega-agency called the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, has removed the arts from its top billing - and caused an outcry in the arts sector.

Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) artistic director Julian Louis said he would like to see the community attend a meeting at 4.30pm today at NORPA to join in the discussion about what to do.

“All Northern Rivers organisations, groups and artists need to be a part of this important discussion - we want to hear from you,” Julian said.

“The arts scene is a major aspect of our society and economy.

“We don’t the arts to be something this government doesn’t fully understand, respect or give value to.

“This is the time for the arts and culture sector to be mobilised and come together and show strength.

Julian said the decision to merge arts in with regional development, communication and transport was done “without consultation with the department of arts”.

“It came from the prime minister’s office in a shake up to streamline services,” he said.

“There is no talk of other improvement in the arts sector or input into funding - they are just taking away the word arts from the department.

“In New Zealand, the Prime Minister is also the minister for arts, culture and heritage. She understands the value of it to the identity of a country and the expression of its people and their wellbeing.

“I can see the the link between regional development and arts – arts and culture helps a region to develop, but the rest of the merger is incongruous.

“We need collaborate as a sector to discuss how we want to communicate to the Federal Government about this and get their response to it.”

The meeting is today, Monday, December 16, at NORPA, Lismore City Hall, Foyer bar, 1 Bounty Street from 4.30-6.30pm.

Come whenever you can.

Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/987071851677630/