Labor courts arts vote
AAP
Nov 11, 2007 10:33 AM
Labor has pledged $34.6 million in new arts initiatives at a star-studded policy announcement in Sydney.
If elected, Labor would spend $17 million over four years to set up an arts innovation centre, $10 million to promote
the arts in Australian communities and $7.6 million to boost Aboriginal art centres.
Labor also said it would change visa requirements to encourage visiting international acts to use local artists as support.
Opposition arts spokesman Peter Garrett announced the initiatives at a live performance show at Parramatta in the city's
west.
A host of local talent turned out for the event, including actors Cate Blanchett and David Wenham, musician Sarah Blasko,
former Hunters and Collectors frontman Mark Seymour and The Whitlams' Tim Freedman - who all performed.
Garrett, himself the former frontman of iconic Aussie band Midnight Oil, took aim at the Howard government over its
treatment of the arts, saying it used the sector as a punching bag.
"Far and away the most pressing concern that has resonated through our arts community is the genuine lack of respect and
support from the current government for artists," he said.
Garrett also singled out anti-terrorism laws, which have come under wide attack from the arts community for their impact
on free speech, saying Labor would remove the term sedition from federal criminal law.
"A fundamental step in recognising the place of artists in our community is respecting the artistic voice and recognising
the principle of artistic freedom of expression," he said.
Garrett said the funding commitments would increase financial support for artists and assist them in building sustainable
careers.
He said the Creative Industries Innovation Centre would be ideally established at a university and would draw together a
critical mass of arts practitioners, cultural entrepreneurs and researchers, with access to the latest technology and business
support.
Arts also would be boosted on an individual community basis, with the Australia Council to get $10 million over four years
to improve opportunities for Australians to participate in art and cultural activities in their communities.
"A Rudd Labor government would celebrate and respect the role of artists in shaping our identity, informing our sense of
who we are and, of course, playing a really valuable role in building social and economic pathways to the future," he said.
Performer Rhys Muldoon was one of several speakers who detailed the negative effects of Work Choices on the sector as well
as a general lack of support from the current government.
"I would urge you to get behind (Labor leader) Kevin Rudd and Peter Garrett," he said.
"Let's start building a nation that's not just an economy but a society."
The four new programmes add to other arts initiatives already announced by Labor, including a simplified investment a
pplication process for Australian artists through the Australia Council and working to improve the provision of arts and
music education in schools.