A government-enabled one-stop shop is among a raft of recommendations made to support Australia’s creative industries, beyond direct funding.
A new insights report from national arts and culture think tank A New Approach (ANA) has outlined eight “pro-culture enablers” available to Australian governments.
ANA CEO Kate Fielding in a challenging economic environment, Australians still wanted to attend festivals, visit libraries and see Australian stories on screens.
“Everyone knows that there isn’t a deep enough well of government funding to achieve everything we want,” Ms Fielding said.
“But when it comes to governments, culture and creativity, it’s about more than just direct cultural funding.”
She said while direct funding helped ensure more equitable access, Australia, could also benefit from enabling actions that supported and promote Australian cultural and creative expression.
“From pre-approved event plans and ‘one-stop shops’ that reduce red-tape delays, through to delivering export strategies, tax concessions and tax offsets, these enablers make it easier for creators to work, creative businesses to operate, and all Australians to access great experiences and products.”
Ms Fielding said these enablers were uniquely available to governments, and in some cases could be cheaper, easier and more effective than direct funding.
“Enablers complement and enhance direct funding – they don’t replace it – and we know they work as we have seen their success in other OECD nations.”
She said the report highlighted a number of pro-culture enablers which fell under eight broad themes of:
- Fit-for-purpose and streamlining measures.
- Legislation, regulations and standards.
- Measures to develop skills, career pathways and knowledge sharing.
- Measures that facilitate coinvestment and collaboration.
- Non-commercial rates.
- Indirect industry assistance.
- Information, promotion and marketing.
- Special consideration for eligibility and exemptions.
Download: Government Culture and Creativity. It’s about more than just funding.
