11th of May, 2022
By Bianca Wylie
It is less than two weeks until the Federal Election occurs, and currently, the only party with an arts policy is the Australian Greens.
Contemporary Arts Precincts Collingwood Yards deputy chair Esther Anatolitis said Australia's two major political parties, Liberal and Labor, do not have an arts policy.
"Arts and culture are central to our lives.
"They must also be central to policy commitments," she said.
Ballet International Gala director and dancer Joel Burke said that the lack of a plan for the arts and funding within the major parties' campaigns is disappointing.
"It's a bit odd to avoid the massive arts sector completely, as one would think that would help them quite a lot considering the number of dance schools alone.
"Dance is the world's second-biggest sport besides swimming," he said.
Brisbane Powerhouse's CEO and artistic director, Kate Gould, said she would like to see greater arts discussion in the current political campaigns and the major parties outlining their arts policies.
"The arts play a crucial role in society apart from being a major industry generating significant economic impact and employment.
"It has been a long time since any political party committed to a long-term arts strategy," she said.
With this election fast approaching, arts bodies are calling for recognition regarding the arts' social and economic impact in Queensland.
Mr Burke said Queensland has a lot of catchment for the arts with a large dance market and should view the arts' economic impact the same as sports'.
"I think funding needs to be beneficial to the economy; there are a lot of misconceptions that arts organisations receive money and it doesn't go towards anything.
"I know QPAC brings in a lot of musicals that run for months with 2,000 people per show; that must be doing something good for the economy," he said.
Ms Gould said that the Brisbane Powerhouse's purpose is to be the home of contemporary art and culture.
"As we head towards the Olympics, Brisbane Powerhouse is poised to take a leading role in shaping our community's arts scene full of Queensland diversity and complexity," she said.
By Bianca Wylie
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