South Australia embarks on creating a united team for the arts, cultural and creative sector

South Australia is embarking on a landmark state cultural policy to set a long-term vision for the sector with a united arts portfolio, working strategically and collaboratively across government to support and promote arts, culture and creativity.

The SA Government and SA Arts Minister Andrea Michaels (pictured below) recognise the value of the arts, cultural and creative sector to the South Australian community and seek to build on and continue to support the achievements of talented artists, arts organisations and arts workers.

In order to achieve this, a united team within the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC) will take a leadership role in promoting and supporting the arts, cultural and creative sector straight from the heart of the Government under the direction of the Minister Michaels.

This will see the administration of the Music Development Office, South Australian Film Corporation, Adelaide Film Festival, Jam Factory and the Creative Industries Division within the Department for Industry, Innovation and Science become part of DPC effective from 1st October. DPC's Deputy Chief Executive Allison Lloydd-Wright will lead the team.

Brian Parkes, Chief Executive of Jam Factory adds “the creation of a united team for the arts, cultural and creative sector is a pivotal moment for the arts in South Australia.

“Everyone here at Jam Factory is excited about the opportunities this presents to work together across the sector for the future benefit of our artists, makers and creatives.”

The development of a new cultural policy will begin shortly and will be released by mid-2024. The policy will be developed together with the arts, cultural and creative sector. It will set a long-term vision for arts, culture and creativity in South Australia and align with the National Cultural Policy Revive.

The Government will provide multi-year funded arts organisations with a bonus payment equal to indexation for not-for-profits in the 2022/2023 year to provide immediate additional support to our recovering sector.

Jessica Alice, Chair of the Arts Industry Council of South Australia adds “The Arts Industry Council welcomes the announcement of additional funding to reflect indexation pressures, which will particularly support the small to medium arts organisations that are the foundation of the arts sector.”

In addition to the cultural policy, by the end of the year the Government will launch the Terms of Reference for the previously announced Taskforce into sustainable careers for artists and arts workers and will seek Expressions of Interest from the sector to join the Taskforce.

Hand in hand with the consultation on the new cultural policy, the Department will also consult on new legislation that will recognise and enshrine the value of arts, culture and creativity.

Minister Michaels notes “South Australia is globally renowned for its extraordinary arts, culture and creative sector and this is an exciting new chapter as we embark on a landmark state cultural policy to set a long-term vision for the sector in our state.

“We will have a united arts portfolio, working strategically and collaboratively across government to support and promote arts, culture and creativity.”

Sandy Verschoor, Chair of the Art Gallery of South Australia adds “the arts are intrinsic to who we are and I look forward to working with the Minister and the broader sector on a new cultural policy that will shape the future of the arts for our state.

“As a leading cultural institution, the Art Gallery of South Australia hopes to make a significant contribution to these important discussions.”

Image top:Australian Film Festival; Image centre: SA Arts Minister Andrea Michaels; Image above: Jam Factory