17.09.2020Arts & Culture Summary of Ideas

On Friday 4 September, the Committee’s Arts and Culture Taskforce provided its recommendations for supporting and reinvigorating the arts and culture sector to Creative Victoria.

Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic poses dramatic challenges and disruption to the arts and culture sector in Melbourne, on 19 August the taskforce discussed initiatives that might be undertaken to support the sector. Amongst those in attendance were representatives from ACMI, Arts Centre Melbourne, Arup, Australian Ballet, Bates Smart, City of Melbourne, Federation Square, Hassell Studio, Her Majesty’s Theatre, La Trobe University, Marriner Group, MCEC, Melbourne Prize, Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne Theatre Company, NBN Co, NGV, RMIT, Sofitel on Collins, Swinburne University and the University of Melbourne.

The taskforce identified recommendations for reopening the economy and supporting the sector in the short-term, to allow for the sector to plan to recover. The taskforce also recommended ambitious and systemic reforms that might benefit the industry in the long-term.

The Committee is optimistic that its members can grapple with the challenges and assist with unique and innovative ideas for the future of the arts and culture sector. The recommendations for Government’s response can be found here. The taskforce will meet again on 21 October to continue to advocate for initiatives that will support the sector. Please contact Leanne Edwards, Director Policy on ledwards@melbourne.org.au for information about the Committee’s Arts and Culture Taskforce.