Cultural Policy must move beyond funding disputes

Federal Arts Minister, Peter Garrett believes that Australia's first national cultural policy in more than a decade must move the arts beyond disputes over funding and comparisons to sport.

Garrett has released a comprehensive discussion paper on arts policy which aims to provide a framework for an innovative and sustainable approach to the Arts.

Speaking of the discussion paper, Minister Garrett recently told an audience at the National Press Club that the policy will aim to broaden the focus from the "dichotomies" in the arts and would seek advice on how the Government should prioritise work in the sector.

Minister Garrett also explained the "very important role governments play in funding the arts", highlighting the increases in arts funding in the past two budgets.

The discussion paper, which follows a wide-ranging consultation and submission process, identifies a range of problems associated with the Arts under the Howard Government, including:

• Government interference in the funding process, as well as political board appointments;
• Bureaucratic indifference and its stifling effect on creativity;
• Unsustainable funding arrangements which place increasing pressure on artists and arts organisations; and,
• Failure to respond to the dynamics of the growing digital economy where creativity is central.

The paper proposes a number of policy options which would remedy these deficiencies.

Additionally the paper identifies areas of critical importance, including arts education, Indigenous art and creative industries policy, which have been largely ignored by this government.

A new approach to arts policy is sorely needed, one that responds to the profound economic and technological changes underway and which gives artists a greater opportunity to contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of the nation.

For more information go to www.petergarrett.com.au/206.aspx