“This is an opportunity for the current government to leave a real legacy, to build on the cultural offering that will continue to enrich the lives of Australians for centuries to come.”
Mr Burke will unveil the policy in Melbourne on January 30. The publication comes after six months of national consultations and builds on arts policies introduced by the Keating and Gillard governments.
The policy will be based on the inclusion of “First Nations first” and “a place for every story”, as well as “the centrality of the artist”, “strong institutions” and “reaching the public”.
Mr Burke has already indicated that much-needed additional funding would be included in the May budget for cultural institutions, although the budget process is still ongoing.
Advised by a group of experts
The arts and entertainment sector contributed approximately $14.7 billion to value-added gross domestic product in 2018-19, before the pandemic. Arts think tank A New Approach estimates the value of Australia’s cultural and creative economy at $111.7 billion, or around 6.4 per cent of the entire Australian economy.
Labor is advised by a group of experts in developing its arts policy, including philanthropist Janet Holmes a Court; Australian Arts Council chief executive Adrian Collette; performer Alysha Herrmann; performer and choreographer Sinsa Mansell; visual artist Kitty Taylor; author Christos Tsiolkas; and historian, author and broadcaster Clare Wright.
Ms. Christian said The Australian Financial Review Arts and cultural institutions have been funded piecemeal for too long. Key offerings and critical infrastructure were under threat, including at institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia and the National Library.
She urged Mr Burke and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to be ambitious and seize the opportunity. The State Historic Library of Melbourne was founded 166 years ago as Australia’s first public library.
Founder Sir Redmond Barry wanted to create a “people’s university” in the young colonial capital.
“This national cultural policy will provide a roadmap for Australia’s future,” Ms Christian said. “The arts are essential to the flourishing of a rich national culture and a free society, and our research tells us that a majority of Australians support public support of the arts.
“We are optimistic about this policy and hope it will be a game-changer for the sector. »