Applicants or supplicants?
In Australia, there is a lingering perception that the arts are an optional extra rather than an essential component of a contemporary nation, with tangible economic and social benefits. This perception casts artists as applicants and supplicants rather than as serious contributors to national wellbeing.
Julianne Schultz on Australia’s cultural global presence (or lack thereof).
Schultz says that investment in the arts sector will pay big dividends in all aspects of Australian society, but warns that the window of opportunity will not be open for long.
How can the Australian society demand a strong national leadership for the creative industries, when they seem to be the last thing in the minds of our campaigning politicians?
Discuss.
