Page 926 - Week 03 - Thursday, 10 March 2016
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1.3 per cent of the gross value added by industry. Our report did not set out to compare the ACT against the rest of Australia but since we used the same methodology as was used in Victoria we know that a comparable figure for that state is roughly two per cent of gross value added by industry.
The fact that the arts in the ACT make up a slightly smaller share of our economy than in other states is not in itself an indicator that our arts sector is lagging. Different economies have different industry mixes for a variety of reasons. On the other hand, a number of other indicators, such as Canberrans’ consumption of arts and culture or attendance at cultural venues and events, show the ACT performs more highly than the rest of Australia.
However, the arts are recognised not only for the direct contribution they make to our economy but also for the indirect role they play by making Canberra an interesting and inspiring city to experience either as a resident or a visitor and by fostering the culture of innovation and creativity on which our other industries thrive. Hence the importance of adopting a broader, more holistic perspective of the arts in our economy and a recognition of the value that the arts bring which sometimes is difficult to measure but despite this brings significant public value.
The promotion of the arts in the ACT forms part of the recognition of this value and forms a key part of the work that is being undertaken in the implementation of the policy. We know that relationships, partnerships, collaboration and connection are important. These connections are not only with the community and the arts sector but also within government. We are working on developing how we want to share our story, promote our successes and communicate who we are.
The artsACT unit are working on connections across government to build the profile of the arts, including with ACT Health, the Environment and Planning Directorate, transport and the Land Development Agency. The ACT government is investigating ways that we can provide support and information resources to artists, arts workers and arts organisations. This work is vital to ensuring that the implementation of the arts policy flows through the ACT government led by the work of artsACT.
In summary, I can confirm that the ACT government recognises the importance of providing equal coverage and support to a broad range of art forms in our city; understands that the value of the arts is an underlying element to our city’s economic prosperity and social wellbeing; notes that the economic contribution made by the arts to the Canberra community is valuable; has an ongoing commitment to developing and supporting the arts in the territory and the continued consultation with the arts sector to support the objectives of the ACT arts policy; and notes there is positive feedback on the ACT arts policy.
I have outlined in this statement the continued consultation process with the ACT arts community as well as an update on the progress of working with the arts community on continued implementation of the ACT arts policy. I present a copy of the following paper:
2015 ACT Arts Policy Framework—Implementation—Ministerial statement, 10 March 2016.
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