The arts policy shift of a generation?

I've raced through Melbourne in my underwear to Save the VCA, created dozens of videos promoting the work of arts organisations large and small, and built a company focussed on bringing the skills of creative-folk to the challenges facing companies and startup.

So I am thrilled to hear about the launch of 'Revive'. Australia's new cultural policy.

This is great news for the creative sector which has sometimes felt to be the political pariah in successive waves of government policy.

The measures included in the policy demonstrate a commitment to supporting the growth and development of our creative industries. From the perspective running a production company, I would break down the impact in three ways:

1. The focus on local content creation: This is essential for ensuring that Australia remains at the forefront of global creative innovation. By supporting local artists and creatives, we can encourage the creation of unique and culturally rich content that truly represents our nation.
2. Investment in digital technologies: In today's fast-paced digital age, having access to the latest technologies is crucial for creative industries to thrive. By investing in digital technologies, we can ensure that our creative sector remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
3. Developing cultural infrastructure: This will provide the foundation for our creative industries to grow and flourish. With access to quality cultural facilities, artists and creatives can develop their craft and bring their ideas to life.

We can often get quite myopic in the creative industries and focus on the lack of funding, recognition or just awareness for what we do. But it is important that we also take charge and look to how our work can engage and benefit society as a whole.

Our work is too important to keep silo'd away in our little bubble. It's words like this from Prime Minister Albanese at the launch today that echo what we know in our bones to be true:

"The arts tell us stories, the arts asks questions, sometimes uncomfortable for those of us in public life. But it’s a good thing. In the arts, we feel joy and celebration, we deal with pain, and we reflect on truths that aren’t always easily told.

What the arts give us is is a never-ending journey of discovery, that’s how the arts can bring us together, it’s how they create shared understanding and common purpose. Without ever seeking to ironout the differences that make our nation so vibrant, strong and attractive,?we will always seek out the common ground between us because that will always be the most fertile place to plant our dreams."

I am eager to see the positive impact that this policy will have on the creative sector in Australia and I am confident that it will play a key role in revitalizing our cultural landscape.