Today's national Meeting of Cultural Ministers (MCM) in Adelaide highlights the commitment of all States and Territories to work collaboratively to support the creative and cultural sector.
The McGowan Government has already enacted a range of programs and grants to not only assist the Western Australian arts and culture sector in response to the impacts of COVID-19 but to also diversify and strengthen the industry. This has included increased funding for projects, plus individual artists and creatives or organisations, and support for the delivery of live performances.
The MCM provides a platform for national collaboration and consensus on a range of important policy issues to help further support and develop the culture and arts sector.
This includes the opportunity to provide comment on key issues in the development of a National Cultural Plan.
Issues being discussed include the importance of access to arts and culture for children and young people, the national arts and disability strategy, support for live performance across Australia and the Visual Arts and Crafts Strategy.
The meeting also coincides with the first day of Purrumpa, the Australia Council's First Nations Arts and Culture National Gathering 2022. This year's gathering celebrates 50 years of support for Aboriginal arts and culture through the Australia Council.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"The arts and culture sector has faced significant challenges over the past few years due to the impact of COVID-19, so it is invaluable to be able to work collaboratively on a national level to support this sector.
"Creative and cultural activities play an integral economic and social role in all of our lives, so it is vital to ensure that the sector is well supported.
"Western Australia is in an amazing position to strengthen our arts and culture sector in terms of our sheer depth of talent, stunning locations and facilities, and our Government's ongoing commitment to the sector.
"Participating in this meeting is a great opportunity to share all that is happening in our State while having input into how best to move forward nationally."
