Western Australia's arts and business sectors were brought together today for the first 'State of the Arts in Business' briefing.
The briefing focused on building relationships between the sectors and promoting further collaborations that will benefit the WA community.
Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman gave the keynote address and outlined some of the cultural infrastructure projects underway across the State. This includes the New Museum for WA, Sunset Heritage Precinct and the rooftop development at the Art Gallery of WA.
These projects provide opportunities for commercial development, creating thriving cultural hubs that attract tourists, create jobs and grow local economies.
The briefing also included a panel discussion with arts philanthropist Janet Holmes á Court AC, Minderoo Foundation CEO Andrew Hagger and well-known novelist, playwright and filmmaker Ben Elton.
The State of the Arts in Business briefing was hosted by Business News and Screenwest.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"There are more opportunities than ever for business to invest in the arts sector. Visitors to Australia are more likely to engage with the arts than visit sporting events or wineries.
"Also, employment in the creative industries is growing at twice the rate of the Australian workforce, and this is only set to increase.
"Engagement in the arts helps to build on Western Australia's long-term trading relationships as well.
"The business and arts sectors both thrive on invention and innovation. When they work together, local communities reap the social, cultural and economic benefits."
