Live Performance Australia welcomes passage of Creative Australia legislation

Live Performance Australia (LPA) has advised that it has “welcomed” the passage of legislation in the Federal Parliament establishing Creative Australia and putting in place measures to deliver the National Cultural Policy Revive.

LPA has been advocating for a refreshed mandate for the Australia Council for several years, which includes a stronger connection to the live arts and entertainment industry and its commercial outcomes. The commercial sector, including contemporary music and musical theatre, supports around two-thirds of audience attendance and revenue.

The new Creative Australia agency, including bodies such as Music Australia and Creative Workplaces, should help achieve a closer partnership between industry and government in supporting Australia’s cultural and creative industries and those who work in them.

Advising that the sector looked forward to working closely with Creative Australia on its implementation of the initiatives set out in Revive, and supporting its role as the national agency for our cultural and creative industries, LPA President, Richard Evans AM stated “this heralds a new phase in public policymaking and investment in Australian creativity, for the benefit of artists, creative workers, businesses and audiences.”

LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson added “we are still recovering and rebuilding from the hugely disruptive and damaging impacts of COVID-19, compounded by an increasingly challenging business and economic environment.

“‘The establishment of Creative Australia comes at a critical time for our live arts and entertainment industry. The new agency will have a vital role in putting in place the strategic policy and investment arrangements that will support our recovery and future success.”

The passage of the legislation clears the way for Creative Australia to commence from 1st July.

Image: Future Form. Credit: Australia Council.