Culture isn't just the arts

While the draft policy discussion document acknowledges cultural heritage as part of the scope of the cultural policy, almost all of the following discussion focuses on the arts and creative industries largely neglecting the potential of cultural heritage and collections.

Example 13:

The Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW:

support development of a National Cultural Policy, as all three spheres of government have roles to play in facilitating the cultural life of our citizens' but fails to elaborate on the fact that local government's involvement in cultural development covers much more than the arts.

All, or the majority of, submissions are – understandably - self-seeking and self-promoting, so it is to be hoped that those who assess them compensate for this.

Accordingly, and justifiably, many Aboriginal groups welcomed the inclusion of their culture in the discussion paper. A representative example: The 2nd National Indigenous Theatre Forum, representing 35 individuals and groups, 'unanimously supports the development of a National Cultural Policy and;

Acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and heritage is intrinsically linked to our health, diversity and wellbeing, which is inherently linked to the land, sea and sky, therefore the development of the National cultural policy should reflect this across all artforms and infrastructures.

Recognises the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, cultural and societal practises as the basis of the rich tapestry of the cultural fabric and within this, performing cultures have played a role in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures.

Affirms the United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted by General Assembly Resolution 61/295 on 13 September 2007, paying particular interest to the following four key articles…

 

Many submissions from those working in new/digital technology provide self-serving eulogies, as in that by the firm, 60Sox:

With a professional background always on the edge of emerging technologies, including the launching of Australia's first popular commercial website (SMH website in 1995), the establishment of the popular online creative portfolio (60Sox in 2004), the delivery of mobile industry-based entrepreneurial programs in Sydney and Melbourne (mega in 2008/2009), the directorship of a program exploring the business transformational opportunities of games design and mechanics being 'integrated' with 'non-games' industry sectors (ISIS in 2011/2012), Director of company 60Sox, Justin Brow has always led by example to help Australian digital media and creative industries practitioners improve their ability to compete better in local and international market places.

Working, as well, as a Senior Research Associate at QUT's Creative Industries Faculty for the past 7 years, Justin has always focused on Australia's Creative and Digital Media Industries. Justin currently leads a number of collaborative programs bringing together Australian Federal and State Government Departments, private enterprise and research organisations to facilitate business transformation and innovation creation.