The Special Envoy for the Arts, Susan Templeman, joined Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid to meet with stakeholders from the arts and live music industries on the Central Coast on May 8.
The pair visited NAISDA Dance College, Drifters Wharf and the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, giving stakeholders a chance to discuss issues affecting the industries and learn what support is available.
NAISDA CEO Kim Walker said the visit was a great opportunity to introduce NAISDA staff and students and showcase the rigorous training and skills development needed to become leading First Nations artists, dancers and choreographers.
“We were also able to update the Special Envoy on our plans to expand tertiary arts training and career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people which will help deliver on the Government’s new landmark Cultural Policy,” he said.
“We look forward to working in partnership towards the continued growth and representation of our First Nations art sector and artists.”
Naughty Noodle Creative Director Glitta Supernova said the arts sector provided $111B to the economy each year.
“It continually shapes our thinking and brings us together collectively – as COVID highlighted it’s also one of the fundamental elements that keep us all sane,” she said.
“From the CarriageWorks to the ABC and the National Gallery of Australia, over the past 10 years Australian arts has faced the worst crisis since before the Australia Council was founded in 1967 and that has impacted the majority of 408,000 people working in the arts and creative sector.
“Chatting with Susan Templeman and Gordon Reid was a significant opportunity to openly discuss the upcoming Revive 5-year plan to renew and revive Australia’s arts, entertainment, and cultural sector.
“I believe this National Cultural Policy will deliver new momentum enabling Australia’s creative workers, organisations and audiences to continue to thrive and grow, and possibly even re-position our arts, culture and heritage as central to Australia’s future.”
Templeman said it was wonderful to be on the ground supporting the arts and live music community.
“The Central Coast is home to some impressive arts organisations including the NAISDA Dance College, innovative community organisations and great local businesses that are eager to support live music,” she said.
“It was great to meet with them to talk about their aspirations and challenges.
“The Government wants to see the arts ecology here flourish and our new National Cultural Policy, Revive, will help it do just that.
“In Gordon Reid, this region has a hardworking and committed advocate for the arts and cultural sector.
“He understands the benefits that the arts bring to the wellbeing of his community and the local economy.”
Reid said the visit highlighted the Government’s commitment to the arts and live music scene in our region.
“The Special Envoy was able to listen directly to stakeholders from both industries and provide helpful information about what Federal Government assistance is available to them,” he said.
“Both Susan Templeman and I will raise the challenges being faced by our arts and live music industries with the Arts Minister, Tony Burke, in Canberra.
“I will always support our arts and live music community and be a strong voice in Canberra.”
Terry Collins