National Cultural Policy

The Tales of Hoffmann, West Australian Opera - Photo: James In

AMPAG welcomes the opportunity to discuss the importance of culture to Australian society and assist in its advancement. In conjunction with our members we made a submission about the four goals listed in the National Cultural Policy discussion paper and made recommendations on omissions.

In August 2011 the Federal Arts Minister, Simon Crean, released a discussion paper on the National Cultural Policy which was first announced by the previous Arts Minister, Peter Garrett in November 2009. The policy is the first national cultural policy since the Keating government released Creative Nation in 1994. The discussion paper highlights creative industries’ contribution to society, economy, education and international diplomacy. The discussion paper references AMPAG’s Digital Scoping Paper, which was produced to highlight the challenges faced by performing arts companies in the rapidly evolving technological environment.

Interested parties had until October 21 this year to complete a submission or survey outlining their thoughts on the policy. To read the discussion paper, and some of the submissions - visit http://culture.arts.gov.au.

Our recent submission is wider in scope than the initial one in 2010 in response to Minister Garrett's request for input. In both we emphasise the importance of the major performing arts companies to the cultural fabric of Australia and recommend  practical solutions to improve ways that people can directly participate and engage in culture and the arts.

AMPAG’s submission to the National Cultural Policy discussion paper, October 2011
AMPAG’s Response to the Discussion Framework – Towards a national cultural policy, January 2010