Daily Pulse

National Cultural Policy Under Cloud

The Australian Government’s “National Cultural Policy – Creative Australia,” which promised the arts sector an extra $195 million to prop it up to $235 million total, is under a cloud.

It was announced March 13 by arts minister Simon Crean, receiving applause from much of the contemporary music sector. It promised an extra $40 million to continue funding programs including Playing Australia, Festivals Australia, Contemporary Music Touring Program and Contemporary Touring Initiative.

Crean also promised to set up an Accord of all levels of government to address the problems live music venues face.
“There wasn’t that much cash splashed out but Crean’s 10-year vision for the music industry was impressive,” live music advocate John Wardle told Pollstar.

Unfortunately a week later, Crean lost his job after unsuccessfully leading a coup to topple Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
The Cultural Policy was driven by Crean, and the music sector is not sure if others in Gillard’s Cabinet are as committed.
In its other promises, the college radio circuit was promised an extra $5 million. The Government’s arts funding body, the Australia Council, was set for a shakeup where grants for music acts would be assessed by their peers.

In the past, associations including the Music Managers Forum have expressed anger at how classical and opera get more funding than contemporary music despite greater export potential.

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