Cultural/arts policy ‘revived’ with new launch

The Federal Government’s new National Cultural Policy – Revive – was released last month, setting the course for Australia’s arts, entertainment and cultural sector over the next five years.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the launch marked a new chapter in Australia’s art and culture sector.

“Our new cultural policy Revive will provide the support Australian artists need to thrive and grow,” he said.

“I am excited by the potential it will unleash, and to see our extraordinary and diverse Australian stories continue to be told with originality, wit, creativity and flair.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media peak body First Nations Media Australia has welcomed Revive First Nations Media Australia CEO Professor Shane Hearn has welcomed the range of measures to strengthen and protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and languages, particularly through the use of First Nations media.

“First Nations media, starting with printed newsletters in the early 70s right through to the many media organisations we have today, has shared the stories of our culture, artists and achievements and I welcome the Federal Government’s acknowledgement of this with the latest cultural policy,” Professor Hearn says.

“Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media organisations and story tellers must be supported as we are best placed to tell our stories.

“Acknowledgement our media organisations also played a significant role delivering messages vital to communities about the recent natural disasters and COVID-19 pandemic is also welcome.

Professor Hearn also welcomed the Federal Government’s promise of “$3.8 million to digitise at-risk First Nations cultural material”.

“First Nations Media Australia, working alongside AIATSIS, is at the forefront of digitising and archiving.

“This will protect, preserve and enhance our stories, songs, sport, recorded over the last few decades on audio and video cassettes, for future generations to enjoy.

“This protects our ongoing history”.

First Nations

Media Australia also welcomed the Cultural Policy outlining several measures to preserve and strengthen First Nations languages and the Federal Government’s recognition of the need for a First Nations Creative Workforce Development Strategy.

“This has been addressed in First Nations Media Australia’s “Calls for Action” for several years,” Professor Hearn says.

“Of our nine Calls For Action first released in 2018, our second Call For Action has asked for an ‘Increase in Operational and Employment Funding’, while our fifth Call For Action calls for ‘Expanding Training and Career Pathway Programs’.”

Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said there was a place for every story under the new plan.

“It is a comprehensive roadmap for Australia’s arts and culture that touches all areas of government, from cultural diplomacy in foreign affairs to health and education,” he said.

“Our artists are creators and workers.

“This sector is essential for our culture and for our economy.”

What is Revive?

A new body, Creative Australia includes four smaller bodies, including a new First Nations-led body that will give First Nations people autonomy over decisions and investments.

The Revive policy is based on five interconnected pillars:

1. First Nations First;

2. A Place for Every Story;

3. Centrality of the Artist;

4. Strong Cultural Infrastructure;

5. Engaging the Audience.

The Government’s cultural policy in relations to First Nations communities also included:

• Introducing legislation to protect First Nations knowledge and cultural expressions, including the harm caused by fake art;

• Developing a First Nations creative workforce strategy;

• Funding the establishment of a National Aboriginal Art Gallery in Alice Springs and an Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Perth;

• Providing $11 million to establish a First Nations Languages Policy Partnership between First Nations representatives and Australian governments.

Languages

The Cultural Policy outlines several measures to preserve and strengthen First Nations languages.

They include:

• Provide $11.0 million to establish a First Nations Languages Policy Partnership between First Nations representatives and Australian governments to improve outcomes for First Nations peoples;

• Develop a National Action Plan that identifies priority areas that will preserve and safeguard First Nations languages, as part of the UNESCO International Decade of Indigenous Languages

2022–2032;

• Continue support for First Nations peoples to express, preserve and maintain their culture through languages and the arts, under the Indigenous Languages and Arts program.

Revive has also committed the Government to regulating Australian content on streaming platforms; improving lending rights and incomes for Australian writers; increased funding for regional art; and dozens of other measures.

To read the National Cultural Policy in full, visit: www.arts.gov.au/culturalpolicy