The Canberra Arts Action Group, a lobby group of more than 160 of Canberra's leading artists, said they were "shocked" at the Government's breach of faith.

In a press release it said Monday's announcement, coupled with the funding cut in December 2016, had signalled to artists across Canberra that current arts funding and policy lacked strategic direction and necessary consultation between government and the community.

In December 2016 Canberra artists were stunned when the ACT Government made an unannounced 66 per cent cut to the project fund component of the ACT Arts Fund. In response to a public outcry from local artists, ACT Arts Minister Gordon Ramsay announced additional funds in February.

But composer Michael Sollis said Monday's announcement represented virtually no increase in investment for project funding.

"The Government has subsequently cut half a million dollars out of the Budget, put it back in, and have tried to sell it to Canberrans as a boost," he said.

"The Government has announced that project funding will be set at $750,000 for future years. ACT Labor promised an additional $500,000 of project funding and when this commitment was made funding was at $728,418.

"The $100,000 injection for indigenous arts is welcome, as is the fulfilment of the Government's commitment to develop Stage 2 of Belconnen Arts Centre. However, the reality is that there is no substantive increase in recurrent funding for arts projects or key arts organisations, despite the Government's rhetoric."

The Canberra Arts Action Group said it would continue to lobby for an "arts landscape that is both sustainable and strategic, neither of which will be achieved through the Budget announcement."

Belconnen Arts Centre was the big winner in the announcement with $15 million over three years funding the final design and construction of stage two works including a 400 seat multi-purpose auditorium, new workshops and studios and space for creative residencies and improved galleries.

Acting Belconnen Arts Centre chair Phil Nizette welcomed the ACT Government's support of the centre.

"This is a cultural infrastructure project that reaches back over 20 years when a visionary community sought and secured land and then devised and pushed hard for plans to ensure Belconnen town centre had a creative heart on the spectacular shore of Lake Ginninderra," Mr Nizette said.

"The team at BAC ... is planning a vibrant creative program of community arts and cultural development practice that will build on BAC's widely acknowledged leadership in arts practice development, collaboration and community engagement."

There would also be $880,000 in safety upgrades across Ainslie Arts Centre, Gorman House Arts Centre, Strathnairn, Tuggeranong Arts Centre and Watson Arts Centre.

The one day Art Not Apart festival will receive $130,000 for each of the next three years; the Design Canberra Festival, from November 7-26 will receive $100,000 for each of the next three years; and the two-day Canberra Writers Festival will receive $125,000 for each of the next three years.

There will also be new funding for Kulture Break and the Australian National University's new Advanced Music Performance Program, as well for new pop-up arts events for Woden and Gungahlin.

Lighting at the Canberra Museum and Gallery will be improved and a community consultation process on the future of the Canberra Theatre complex would also be held.

Mr Ramsay said the package would support the Government's vision for a more vibrant Canberra, with better community facilities and services in the arts sector.

"The Government's investment in this year's Budget will cover five key areas, improving the arts infrastructure right across the city as well as Government support for arts events such as Art Not Apart," Minister Ramsay said.

"We are committed to supporting and sustaining the arts in Canberra. We will ensure our arts facilities can meet community needs both now and well into the future, which is why a significant portion of the funding we've allocated will go towards improvement works at various centres across the territory.

"We know the vital role the arts play in offering an outlet for creative expression for people from all walks of life. They significantly add to the vibrancy and liveability of Canberra."