News
|
New report from Regional Arts Australia 13 February 2006 Arts and culture play a central role in building regional communities, particularly in attracting young and skilled people, according to a new report by Regional Arts Australia. More than 1200 people took part in the most comprehensive community arts research ever conducted among country Australians, which will be announced today as part of the publication 2006 National Directions, Regional Arts. The publication highlights the valuable contribution of local artists and artistic programs to regional centres. In particular, arts projects are seen as building the morale of communities through difficult times such as drought. Engaging young people in the arts, particularly through education was also seen as being critical to the health of regional communities. Maintaining cultural activities was seen as being one of the biggest challenges facing these communities. Meg Larkin, President of Regional Arts Australia said, “The arts are seen as being fundamental to the way of life for regional communities across the length and breadth of this nation.” “By speaking with local arts enthusiasts and practitioners from Broome to Flinders Island, and everywhere in between, we have been able to tap into the achievements and challenges that people see for the arts in their communities. “This publication is fertile ground for planning the priorities and activities of Regional Arts Australia over the course of the next three years. “Research like this is also important groundwork that could feed into future national cultural policy development,” she said. 2006 National Directions, Regional Arts will be launched by Professor Margaret Seares AO at the King Street Arts Centre in Perth at 6 pm (WST) today. The publication – 2006 National Directions, Regional Arts – and related case studies are available in PDF format for download from the Regional Arts Australia website at www.regionalarts.com.au Regional Arts Australia is the peak national agency for the development of the arts across regional Australia – and advocates at the national level for better resources and recognition of the arts in regional Australia. Members are: Country Arts SA, Country Arts WA, the Queensland Arts Council, Regional Arts Victoria, Tasmanian Regional Arts and Arts NT as well as Regional Arts NSW. Enquiries |