• Julianne Schultz, and others
• Centre for Social Impact

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Image: Arslan / flickr

21 June 2010Arts Queensland and the Centre for Social Impact propose the establishment of a Foundation for the Artist - the first of its kind in Australia - to bring together public, private and corporate funding for artists and the creation of new work. The Foundation will complement existing funding sources and offer new forms of support for creative practice and innovation.

The arts, creativity and culture are central to social and economic life, highly valued and greatly enjoyed by almost all Australians. The creative economy contributes as much to the national economy as agriculture, and the importance of these activities is set to increase in the twenty-first century.

Ensuring that this potential is realised requires robust institutions, successful companies, well-trained and resourced artists in all fields. It also requires knowledgeable audiences and appropriate public, private and corporate funding − to encourage and reward innovation, excellence and participation.

There is a particular need to find fresh ways to support the work of individual artists who are creating new work. These artists are the research scientists of the creative economy, in time their work will fill theatres, cinemas, galleries, bookshops and countless digital devices. But their influence will extend further – impacting on the education curriculum, delivery of health care, the design of public and private spaces and the way Australia is perceived internationally.

This discussion paper was supported by the development of an Australian and International survey.

Image: Arslan / flickr