The West Australian Government has announced it will assume responsibility for the operation of several major West Australian theatres when contracts expire at the end of this year.

From January, the Perth Theatre Trust will manage the operations of His Majesty's Theatre, the State Theatre Centre, the Perth Concert Hall and the Subiaco Arts centre.

Arts Minister John Day says an increase in the number of venues and arts companies over the past 15 years means it is logical for the public sector to take over.

He says the state government provides $9 million to the trust each year to operate the venues, and there will be savings from operating them in-house that will be channelled back into the arts sector.

"What we will see is a situation where there is probably better value for taxpayers' funding that is put into subsidising these major performing arts theatres," he said.

The new model will ensure venues can be "activated" for key events such as Fringe and the Perth International Arts Festival, he said.

"It will enable the Perth Theatre Trust to obtain better utilisation out of the major theatres we have, like the Perth Concert Hall, State Theatre Centre and his Majesty's Theatre," Mr Day said.

"I think we'll see an even greater amount of programming and activity subsequent to the changes being made."

The Government will review the model after three years.