Queensland government calls on arts sector to shape future

The Palaszczuk government is calling on the Queensland music, arts and creative sector to help shape the state’s arts policy.

It follows the release of a discussion paper Creating Queensland’s Future: 10-Year Roadmap.

The feedback will help decide in which areas the government should divert funds for investment. It closes in December.

Of the 600,000 people who work in the sector (which contributes $86 billion annually to the national economy – more than the transport industry), 80,000 are located in Queensland.

Minister for the arts Leeanne Enoch said, “The arts, creative and cultural sectors have the ability to inspire and affect far-reaching positive change throughout Queensland.

“We are serious about nurturing creativity and creative storytelling, supporting cultural and economic development, and boosting the capacity of the sector.

“We know that creativity is key to Queensland’s future as a critical skill set for jobs in the growing knowledge economy.

“This is a sector that has great potential to connect communities, drive cultural tourism, create employment opportunities and affect positive change in all areas of society, from education to health and justice issues.”

The minister noted: “A focus on the arts, cultural and creative industries is part of the government’s commitment to Advancing Queensland’s Priorities, and the consultation will ensure a considered and inclusive approach to grow and evolve the sector.”

Queensland Chamber for Arts and Culture spokesperson Katherine Hoepper welcomed the release of the discussion paper.

“This is a significant opportunity for all Queenslanders to contribute to shaping a future Queensland that is richer for its supported and resourced arts and cultural sector, and in turn enhances the social fabric and economy of Queensland,” she said.

“We look forward to working closely with minister Enoch to ensure that the Chamber’s priorities of First People’s culture and arts, young people, regional arts and disability arts are strongly represented.”

The government said that it is looking at building the creative capability of Queensland’s workforce in ways, including fostering creativity as a skill of the future, cultivating diversity within the sector’s workforce, creating paths for emerging talent, provide leadership, and building up skills and knowledge through professional development.

It sees its role in making the Queensland arts, cultural and creative sector to drive innovation and economic growth by developing local stories and experiences, support the converge of the sector with other industries, encourage the adoption of technical technologies, collaborate with tourism bodies and “build entrepreneurial capacity, sustainability and resilience.”

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