MADELEINE KING MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BRAND
The Albanese Government is calling for people in Brand to have their say on the future of the arts in Australia to help support the vibrant arts communities in Rockingham and Kwinana.
The government is currently developing a National Cultural Policy and is encouraging people from every state and territory in Australia to make a submission to help bring drive and vision back to the industry.
The new National Cultural Policy, to be delivered by the end of this year, will be shaped around five pillars:
- First Nations: recognising and respecting the crucial place of these stories at the centre of our arts and culture.
- A place for every story: reflecting the diversity of stories and contributions of all Australians as the creators of culture.
- The centrality of the artist: supporting the artist as worker and celebrating their role as the creators of culture.
- Strong institutions: providing support across the spectrum of institutions which sustain our arts and culture.
- Reaching the audience: ensuring our stories reach the right people at home and abroad.
Fifteen acclaimed writers, musicians, painters, producers, directors and industry professionals have agreed to be part of five expert review panels that will help shape the National Cultural Policy in the months ahead.
They will identify the key issues and themes raised through the public consultation process and help craft what will be a comprehensive roadmap for Australia’s arts and culture sectors for the decades ahead.
Special Envoy for the Arts, Susan Templeman MP, said: “Labor has a proud history of support for the arts. Both the Keating and Gillard Governments developed cultural policies – which were then torn up by subsequent Liberal and National governments and replaced by nothing.
“The arts, entertainment and cultural sector is important to who we are as Australians and plans a vital role in the economy.
“There is a lot of work to do to repair the damage done by the Liberal and National parties. But a National Cultural Policy is the foundation for a better future for Australian artists.”
Local Member for Brand, Hon. Madeleine King said: “A National Cultural Policy should draw on as many voices as possible, and that’s why I am encouraging people from Brand to have their say.”
Brand is fortunate to be home to a large number of wonderful arts institutions, including the newly renovated art gallery on Kent Street, the Rockingham Watercolour Society, art workshop Mixed Palette and the Rockingham Theatre Company.
I’m proud to have strong links to the arts in Brand. My grandmother Peggy Pizer was a performer in the Penguin Players, a popular local theatre group in Rockingham many years ago.
Submissions to the National Cultural Policy can be made until August 22.
For more information, visit: https://www.arts.gov.au/have-your-say/new-national-cultural-policy
10 AUGUST 2022
