Parliamentary inquiry to cover impact of COVID-19 on the arts

Submissions are now open ahead of a parliamentary inquiry into the impact of coronavirus on the arts in Australia.

Australia’s cultural and creative industries and institutions will be the focus of the inquiry, where The House Of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts will also hear evidence about the benefits of the arts to the country in general.

“Australia’s cultural and creative industries are at a point of significant change as Australia adapts to life in a pandemic,” Committee Chair, Dr David Gillespie MP, said.

“Australia’s creative innovation economy has made us a major player in the international arts arena, delivering benefits to our economy and helping shape our national identity.

“It’s time to reflect on and re-think the way we create and interact with art, as we react to the pandemic and the challenges we need to overcome.”

As part of the inquiry, industry workers are encouraged to take an online survey.

It includes questions about how long you may have worked in the arts sector, do you get paid, the nature of your jobs and the area of the arts community you are most engaged with.

It also asks for how your business may have changed due to COVID-19 and for recommendations to strengthen Australia’s cultural and creative industries.

“We will take evidence on the terms of reference, and encourage anyone within the arts community to make a submission or participate in the online survey,” Gillespie said.

Submissions to the inquiry are now being taken, and can be made online or via email until October 22, 2020.