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Right now: it's the Policy Matters session at @HumanitiesAU's At The Crossroads? symposium. With @RosAbercrombie, @joydamousi, @Kate_Fielding, Malcolm Gillies, Rupert Myer AO and Francesca Valmorbida. Here's the full program: https://www.humanities.org.au/symposia/51stsymposium/program/
A New Approach is a think tank championing effective investment and return in Australian arts and culture. This session looks at how this work can enrich Australia's cultural and creative future. @HumanitiesAU has incubated the program across three years: https://www.humanities.org.au/new-approach/
To start, @VicCouncils' Francesca Valmorbida has shown a fun video on how Victoria's regional councils are eagerly preparing for a summer of welcoming us with arts and cultural events. Superb.
Rupert Myer AO: Well before COVID, there was a critical conversation that we needed to have. The fulfilment of a nation's cultural destiny needs something greater. A New Approach's reports make a compelling case for a national arts and culture plan.
Rupert Myer AO: Culture evolves over time… ours is a cultural democracy in which the ideas of many are simultaneously combined… They exert an influence over us all and cajole us and charm us into thinking deeply… That is their power… https://nitro.edu.au/articles/2018/11/30/four-memos-to-myself-things-ive-known-wish-id-known-have-learned-unlearned-or-forgotten
Francesca Valmorbida: In my previous @VicCouncils role, I was the living embodiment of @Creative_Vic's Creative Industries Strategy in its relationship to local government. But there's no national policy that connects with local government despite our massive arts & culture role.
Francesca Valmorbida: @VicCouncils' Municipal Association
of Victoria Position Statement for the Arts, Culture & Creative Industries "articulates local governments’ commitment because the Arts and Our Culture Are Essential". Here's the June 2020 statement: https://www.mav.asn.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/25399/MAV-Statement-of-Commitment.pdf
of Victoria Position Statement for the Arts, Culture & Creative Industries "articulates local governments’ commitment because the Arts and Our Culture Are Essential". Here's the June 2020 statement: https://www.mav.asn.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/25399/MAV-Statement-of-Commitment.pdf
Francesca Valmorbida: Each council is different; @VicCouncils' Position Statement was the first of its kind. It's important that the arts sector understand how fragmented, how hard it is to consult with, how easy it is for gov't to put it in the too-hard basket. Focus is needed.
. @Kate_Fielding: A New Approach's reports are designed to assist with public policy insight. Here's that link again to the reports, which look at public expenditure, impacts, public attitudes, policy drivers, data sets and opportunities for future policy: https://www.humanities.org.au/new-approach/
. @Kate_Fielding: A New Approach's reports are being used extensively, in particular by state governments. The insights from our opinion research may not be a surprise, but understanding views of swing voters in marginal seats helps make the argument to our political colleagues.
[There's a recurring dull buzz sound on the audio in this part of the session, so I'm not getting it all – apologies]
. @Kate_Fielding: A National Arts, Culture & Creativity Plan modelled on Sport 2030 would connect the three levels of gov't to unleash greater benefits for all Australians. Constructive questions were asked at last Fri's Inquiry hearings – MPs were engaged. https://www.artshub.com.au/news-article/opinions-and-analysis/public-policy/esther-anatolitis/national-calls-for-a-national-plan-261452
. @RosAbercrombie: The Regional Arts Fund Boost has made a vital contribution this year given the fires, floods and then COVID, and we've distributed 6.5 times what we normally would in quick-response grants. https://regionalarts.com.au/
. @RosAbercrombie: Regional policy at the federal level – such digital connectivity, health, tourism – are all driven by arts and culture. There's a valuable opportunity here for a longer-term policy approach that's place-based and artist-led, ensuring equity of access.
E/Prof Malcolm Gillies AM: We live in an increasingly fast-moving, transactional world. We still lack coherent policy-driven action on climate change, for example – and yet, policy is needed more than ever. [now losing that connection]
Let's look at policy as an enabler, says @joydamousi. It's a sign of 'all hands on deck', says Francesca. It must underpin strategy while being flexible enough to adapt. The likeminded don't need policy; it's all others who benefit. The visitor economy, for example, will be huge.
It's all too easy for gov't to abandon policy, says @joydamousi. What I found hopeful, says @Kate_Fielding, was the non-partisan conversation, a curiosity seeking an understanding. Sport 2030 spans community to corporate to elite players, just like arts and culture. A good model.
There's no doubt, says Rupert, that Australia's cultural architecture is strong and diverse. What we're emphasising is there's no cohesive national policy to bring it together. Which means a lack of cultural confidence in the way we assert and project ourselves. That's the aim.
E/Prof Malcolm Gillies AM: It's a great failure that we failed to incentivise our creative enterprise – look at our massive trade deficit. The creative economy doesn't have a single model, with a lot of precariousness. Let's move on from John Curtain 1942! Our culture is unique!
How do you get cut-through, asks @joydamousi? An authentic and genuine response, says @RosAbercrombie. Granular case studies. Inclusive language, across portfolios. Demonstrate the effect, show the need, provide an answer. Map the outcomes, evaluate, and then go back in.
. @Kate_Fielding: How to get cut-through? The vomit principle. When you've spoken about something and said it so many times that you feel like you'll vomit if you ever have to say it again, that's when you know you're on the cusp of getting public cut-through. That's traction.
Rupert Myer AO: There's an enthusiastic core of middle Australians who are committed to arts and culture. We need to animate that group to speak more constructively in the public debate. The Meeting of Cultural Ministers also has potential, as does National Cabinet.
Francesca Valmorbida: Authenticity is vital. If policy doesn't speak for the people who are involved, there's no cut-through. A good campaign slogan can be the basis of a good policy. Melbourne's SLAM (Save Live Australian Music) rally created great policy outcomes, for example.
