Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a significant public restructure on Thursday.

Four departments will fold into other sections of government and arts is not mentioned in the new entities - it now comes under the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.

Mr James said it was disappointing, but that the arts sector had come to expect losses.

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"Arts funding is run, in majority, by the Australia Council, which is arms-length from the federal government," he said.

"But as soon as you don't have a core voice for any sector directly in a conversation then of course that sector is going to be left out.

"Any loss of voice is going to damage everyone. But we've seen so much turmoil in the arts over the past five years - these things are not as surprising as they should be."

The federal government said the restructure will improve services and efficiency.

Mr James said that state body Arts Tasmania had been going "great stuff".

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"Seeing what Arts Tasmania has done [over recent years] has been really positive," he said.

But he said more could be done within Launceston to support emerging artists as well as what happens at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.

"[In Launceston] we've got QVMAG which is a great institution, but it is very much an institution. Trickle down art - trickle down anything - doesn't work."

Meanwhile, Sawtooth ARI's December show will be the last at its Cimitiere Street gallery.

The announcement of where its moving to is under wraps while the approvals process is underway.

The December show is in three parts: an installation by Gaye Jurisch, a photography series by Tim Coad and Pete Maarseveen, and the 2019 Members' Show, with diverse works from more than 20 contributing members.

"It's a really nice way to celebrate culture within the community, come together, and show a mixed array of what's happening in the city, and celebrate the year," Mr James said.

Learn more about supporting Sawtooth with a membership at sawtoothari.com/2020-membership