Industry leaders to help develop new National Cultural Policy

The Australian Government is pressing ahead with a renewed National Cultural Policy by establishing Expert Panels and a Policy Advisory Group.

Industry leaders with expertise in writing, music, painting, production, directing and industry have been appointed to inform the new policy.

Five Expert Panels have been established under each of our continuing pillars: First Nations First, Centrality of the Artist, A Place for Every Story, Strong Cultural Infrastructure, and Engaging the Audience.

The panels will inform the Minister for the Arts and the Policy Advisory Group on key issues and themes raised through the public consultation process.

The nine member Policy Advisory Group will provide expert advice and industry perspectives.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke:

“Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help lay the foundation where for the first time there will have been consecutive national cultural policies.

“Welcome to the new members, thank you for playing a role in delivering the next National Cultural Policy for all Australians.”

Quotes attributable to the Special Envoy for the Arts, Susan Templeman:

“Our next National Cultural Policy must reflect the diversity and aspirations of the cultural sector itself.

“These panels bring together an extraordinary group of Australians who have distinguished themselves in their service to our cultural life.

“Their involvement and their insight will ensure that the voice of the sector rings clearly through the policy we introduce.”

Expert Panels:

First Nations First

• Mr Darren Dale - Producer and Managing Director, Blackfella Films
• Mr Chad Creighton - Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Art Centre Hub of WA (AACHWA)
• Ms Ping Flynn - Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Ilbijerri Theatre Company

A Place for Every Story

• Ms Tracey Corbin-Matchett OAM - Chief Executive Officer, Bus Stop films
• Mr Bruce Gladwin - Artistic Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Back to Back Theatre
• Ms Courtney Stewart - Artistic Director, La Boite Theatre

Centrality of the Artist

• Ms Holly Greenwood - Visual Artist
• Mr Rob Sitch - Chief Executive Officer, Working Dog Productions
• Dr Sophie Payten BMed MD, MPH (AKA Gordi) - Musician, Gordi Music

Strong Cultural Infrastructure

• Mr Bruce Meagher - Chair, Griffin Theatre Company. Head of Public Affairs, Tattarang Pty Limited
• Ms Claire Spencer AM - Executive Director, Australian Ballet
• Mr S. Shakthidharan - Director and Co-Founder, Kurinji

Engaging the Audience

• Ms Astrid Jorgensen OAM - Founder and director, Pub Choir
• Mr Jeff Khan - Creative Director Asia TOPA, Arts Centre Melbourne
• Mr John Foreman AM - Musical Director, Pianist and Composer

Policy Advisory Group:

• Ms Rosheen Garnon - Deputy Chair, Australia Council Board of Creative Australia
• Dr Nell Greenwood - Chief Executive Officer, Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS)
• Mr Adrian Collette AM - Chief Executive Officer, Creative Australia
• Mr Dean Ormston - Chief Executive Officer, Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS)
• Professor Sarah Holland-Batt FAHA FQA- Head of Creative Writing, University of Technology Sydney
• Ms Brenna Hobson - Director of Programming, Sydney Opera House
• Ms Deirdre Brennan - Chief Executive Officer, Screen Australia
• Mr Simon Abrahams - Creative Director and Chief Executive Officer, Melbourne Fringe
• Professor Wesley Enoch AM - Chair, Australia Council Board of Creative Australia