Page 1389 - Week 04 - Thursday, 4 April 2019
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Not only do these institutions, our national cultural institutions, play an important role in reflecting Australian society and identity and recording Australian art and culture, science and history and democracy but they are also an important source of employment for the Canberra region, a key element of the ACT’s arts and tourism industries and the wider economy. They enhance Canberra’s international reputation as a great place to live, work and visit.
As the ACT government stated in our submission to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories inquiry into our national institutions last year, we strongly encourage the Australian government to provide sufficient resources and funding for cultural institutions to develop, expand and reach their full potential. I am pleased to note that the committee has recommended in its report released yesterday that the Australian government review how the efficiency dividend applies to Canberra’s national institutions and to reassess staffing levels, including reducing reliance on temporary labour hire arrangements. But it is clear that more needs to be done.
The national cultural institutions form an integral part of our city’s visitor experience, providing historic, educational, scientific, artistic, sporting, environmental and social interpretation of the Australian story. And this is a core part of defining ourselves as a growing multicultural nation and for international visitors to understand more about Australia.
Canberra’s national institutions are a key element in attracting both international visitors to Australia and domestic and international travellers to the ACT. They are vital in realising the capital’s potential as a showcase of Australian history, identity, culture and innovation. The ACT government is committed to supporting the national institutions to attract visitors and to diversify the economy, with exhibitions and events forming a key part of Visit Canberra and EventsACT’s tourism platforms. Similarly, the national institutions are a critical part of our major events strategy which outlines our vision for Canberra to be recognised as a world-class events destination.
Since the territory established our major event fund in 2011, $4.59 million in funding has been provided to support large-scale events and exhibitions at Canberra’s national attractions and these funds include supporting attraction events at the National Gallery, the National Library, the National Museum, the National Portrait Gallery and the Australian War Memorial. This suite of completed events and exhibitions has attracted 1.98 million attendees and has generated $486 million in economic returns to the ACT.
Canberra is more connected than ever to a global marketplace through direct international flights, and the national institutions provide an increasingly important first point of engagement for international visitors. They showcase the diversity of the Australian story and help to shape visitors’ understanding of our nation. National cultural institutions also have important ongoing relationships with Canberra artists and arts organisations, providing symbiotic economic, cultural and social benefits, including opportunities through innovative public programming, knowledge sharing, broad audience reach and income diversification.
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