The Australian Democrats have reiterated their commitment to a national cultural plan for the future of strong and viable arts industries in Australia.
Democrats Arts spokesperson, Senator Aden Ridgeway, said when there is no clear direction in terms of cultural policies there is no ability to contest the direction being taken.
"What results is individual 'hit and miss' policies which continue to compromise the cultural integrity of our nation," said Senator Ridgeway.
"The aim of an 'arts and culture' policy should be to represent all Australians and focus efforts on creating an Australian society that we are proud of. I believe this should be based on the cultures of our first peoples, our diversity, our regionalism, our plurality and our inclusiveness.
"Under the Coalition, arts funding has been reduced and national cultural institutions have been under attack. There are numerous examples of the Government unashamedly injecting personal preference into Arts funding and policies and threatening the cultural integrity of Australia, which include;
The review of the Parliament House Art Collection;
The direct funding to the Melba Foundation, bypassing the Australia Council;
The political attack on the National Museum of Australia;
The Free Trade Agreement, which will inevitably reduce Australian media content.
"The Democrats restate our commitment to our Australian Cultural Plan which includes law reform, employment initiatives, and recognising that the arts need to be integrated into all aspects of government decision making," concluded Senator Ridgeway.
Senator Ridgeway spoke at the Sydney Arts Management Advisory Group Arts Seminar last night.
A summary of the Democrats Australian Cultural plan is at:http://www.adenridgeway.com/Portfolios/ARTS%20Arts.pdf
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