It will also incorporate the ''city-based arts event'' which will be held in March over the next three years as part of Canberra's centenary celebrations.

During the ACT election campaign in September, Labor promised $5million over four years for an autumn festival ''to rival Floriade'' and boost tourism.

Next year's autumn event will be the $500,000 partnership with the National Gallery, which is putting on a three-month exhibition of masterpieces from the Musee d'Orsay in Paris.

On top of its $500,000 contribution, the ACT Government will fund a series of small events linked to the exhibition.

Tourism Minister Andrew Barr was keeping details of the Musee d'Orsay events under wraps until the end of Floriade.

''That's the anchor for the event and we will announce a special program of activities that will sort of wrap up the exhibition, because it starts in December and runs all the way through to April,'' he said.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times