Campaign News

Federal Government

The arts have suddenly become more central in the Federal Government. The new Arts Minister is Simon Crean who is an experienced political player with a keen interest in the performing arts. The departmental arts office, which was previously located in the now defunct Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts has been moved to a more central role in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and is now called the Office of the Arts. Even the Opposition’s Shadow Arts Minister is an experienced politician, Senator George Brandis, who was the Arts Minister in the last few years of the Howard Government.

By making it clear to Government in the lead up to the federal election that people are passionate about the arts, we have achieved a positive impact. More information on the Federal Government's support for the arts can be found at their website.

When you're meeting with your local member, make sure you're armed with Key Facts about the performing arts by printing out this document: We All Play a Part Key Facts.

The Development of a National Cultural Policy

Development of the first new cultural policy since the Keating Labor Government was announced by the previous Minister for the Arts, Peter Garrett. He outlined three key themes for consideration and invited the general public to contribute. The new Minister for the Arts, Simon Crean, launched the discussion paper on the National Cultural Policy in August 2011. The paper can be downloaded at http://culture.arts.gov.au and the government accepted submissions from the public which can be viewed at http://culture.arts.gov.au/submissions.

Education

Arts on the National Curriculum

The national public consultation for the draft arts curriculum shape paper has concluded. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) which is responsible for development of the national curriculum is now working their way through the submissions received. These will be used to further revise the draft shape paper, which will then be published as The Shape of the Australian Curriculum: The Arts. This paper will guide the writing of the final K-12 arts curriculum.

If you want to be updated on what is happening on a more regular basis go to ACARA

Artists in residence

The Australia Council, in collaboration with state and territory arts and education departments is managing the Australian Government’s ‘artists-in-residence’ program, which sets up collaborative partnerships between schools and local arts communities.

A total of $5.2 million in funding will be provided over four years. The funding will support a combination of programs – residencies & artist/teacher professional development programs – to improve young people’s access to quality arts education and provide opportunities for artists and teachers to develop effective teaching methods and practices for the arts. Contact your state arts agency for more information.

These two initiatives were highlighted in the creative stream of the 2020 Summit.

Building Communities

In a submission to Infrastructure Australia, the Australian Performing Arts Centres Association (APACA), a campaign partner, highlighted the need for local cultural infrastructure investment, “drawing on the overwhelming evidence of the role performing arts play in building stronger communities” (Bronwyn Edinger, President of APACA).

In June 2009, the former Prime Minister, The Hon Kevin Rudd MP announced additional funding of $220 million for the Community Infrastructure Program. This is in addition to the $800 million that has already been allocated to councils and shires to build and improve community infrastructure and boost local economies.

Over 40 local community cultural centres and larger Performing Arts Centres were included in these Community Infrastructure allocations. Some examples are:

NT Darwin Entertainment Centre - Public Lift Upgrade to improve reliability and access for people with limited mobility. $313,000 Darwin City Council
WA Upgrade to the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre, Thornlie. Replacement of seating, expansion of stage and improvements to emergency exits. $54,000 City of Gosnells.
VIC Horsham Town Hall Redevelopment. Redevelopment of the 1939 Art Deco Horsham Town Hall Complex into a state of the art regional performing arts and art gallery. $5,000,000 $12,007,000 Horsham Rural Centre Council
NSW Ashfield Council Centre Stage 2 Redevelopment Project Redevelopment of the Civic Centre of Ashfield into an integrated civic, arts and community space. $2,331,873 $14,778,190
NSW Upgrade of Little Theatre, Parkes. Construction of a new orchestra pit in the Little Theatre including the construction of stage or floor extensions to cover the pit, new seating and roof cover. $63,000 Parkes Shire Council
NSW Disability Access for Bruce Gordon Theatre, Wollongong. Design and construction of a new seating layout at Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, providing disabled access and viewing facilities. $300,000 Wollongong City Council
VIC Athenaeum Community Theatre, Lilydale upgrade. $60,000 Yarra Ranges Shire Council.

We understand that further funds will be available through the Priority Regional Infrastructure programme. Contact your local council to find out what they propose to submit for funding and ask about arts facilities.