AT a Q&A last Monday between arts strategist David Fishel and National Museum director Mathew Trinca, Fishel suggested to assembled arts community CEOs, members of the Childers Group and artist that fighting the Government over arts funding was a waste of time—other measure were required to move ahead.
Nicholas Gledhill
That’s not what Nicholas Gledhill and Australia’s youngest federal party The Arts Party are thinking as they look forward to the next Federal Election.
On the contrary, Gledhill will be in town this weekend to meet members, supporters and anyone else interested in what they’re up to.
In a meeting expected to run around two hours there’ll be a chance to ask questions, meet fellow members and tell the party what they should be focusing our energies on, Gledhill says.
In advocating for the arts, party members say, they will argue that artistic and cultural events are an powerful tool to bring people together and expose them to new ideas and ways of thinking. These activities, they say, should be as accessible as possible to every Australian, especially as the skills and knowledge provided by all of the art forms are the foundation blocks of creativity, “the must-have skill of the 21st Century”.
“What we need is a more efficient, better supported arts sector, funding more creativity, taking more risks and offering greater opportunity for all Australians, as both creators and audiences, to get involved,” the party manifesto reads.
What is more, there are tangible benefits in the arts. In 2012, they note, the Live Performance Industry (which covers music, musical theatre, opera and dance) generated revenues of over $2.5bn, often with limited federal support, which they say is continuing to fall. They want to turn this around.
In a nutshell, say Gledhill and party members, “If you care about the arts, then show it by supporting us at the next federal election.”
Arts Party information session, in the Performing Arts Services Hub, Suite 301, 20 Allara St, Civic, 1pm – 3pm, Sunday November 30, all welcome. Further information at theartsparty.org
The post In a nutshell, vote 1 Arts appeared first on Canberra CityNews.