Western Australia’s Minister for Culture and the Arts, David Templeman has heralded a new era for arts, entertainment and culture in the State and throughout Australia, while attending the National Cultural Policy launch in Victoria.
A consultation process overseen by the Federal Office for the Arts ran until August 2022 with more than 1,200 submissions received. Town hall meetings were held in every State and Territory, with WA meetings in Perth and Broome.
Mr Templeman said the National Cultural Policy consisted of five pillars: First Nations first; a place for every story; the centrality of the artist; strong institutions, and reaching the audience.
“Many of WA’s current arts and culture priorities already align with this national plan, including the development of an Aboriginal Cultural Centre,” Mr Templeman said.
“Current arts and cultural funding in WA supports a diverse range of activities and cultural communities to ensure access for both artists and audiences across the State, including regional and remote WA.”
He welcomed the opportunity for Western Australia to contribute to the policy’s development through its detailed submission as part of the consultation process.
Mr Templeman was supported by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Citizenship, and Multicultural Interests, Tony Buti who said it was particularly pleasing that the National Cultural Policy put the voices of First Nations people front and centre.
“Providing Aboriginal creative control is critical to success in this space,” Mr Buti said.
“For our multicultural community, it’s vitally important that Government support reflects the diversity of all Australians and ensures everyone has access to engage with, express and shape culture.”
The 113-page National Cultural Policy can be downloaded at this PS News link.
