Creative South Australia: a Vision for the Arts

CREATIVE SOUTH AUSTRALIA: A VISION FOR THE ARTS

Prepared by the

Executive Summary 2

Contents Adelaide: A city of firsts in art and culture 6

South Australia’s unique advantage 7

Why culture and the arts? 8

Innovation is nurtured and celebrated 9

Creativity at the centre of our economy 10

Our artists play to the world 11

A home for artists and creative thinkers 12

Leaders in Arts and Education 13

A network of exceptional cultural spaces 14

Financial sustainability 15

Not the last word 16

Image credits and references 17 Executive Summary

ABOUT ARTS 40 YEAR VISION INDIGENOUS ARTS WHO IS THE INDUSTRY COUNCIL CREATING AN ARTS INDUSTRY AND CULTURE VISION FOR? DRIVEN VISION FOR SOUTH OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA This Vision acknowledges that This Vision is for the arts sector and (AICSA) Indigenous arts practice and culture is attendees at the November 2014 forum In November 2014, AICSA invited South fundamental to the future for arts in to summarise and move forward the Arts Industry Council of South Australia Australia’s creative community to a South Australia. It is anticipated that many issues discussed and debated. (AICSA) is the state’s independent, public forum at Adelaide Town Hall to Creative South Australia: A Vision It is also for the Government of South sector wide representative arts develop a 40-Year Vision for the Arts. for the Arts will be augmented by Australia - to have insight into the body. AICSA was constituted as an This initiative was driven by the fact forthcoming consultation and policy over-arching views of the sector and incorporated association in 1991 and that South Australia’s vibrant arts scene on Indigenous arts and culture to be to contribute to cultural policy. It is for receives no operational funding from functions without an overarching arts or undertaken by Arts South Australia. investors, supporters and lovers of the the Government, and derives its support cultural policy. With the ‘Festival State’ Creative South Australia: A Vision for arts who wish to embrace the arts sector from the industry through member flourishing it is time to create a holistic the Arts recognises the importance for and be part of an exciting and dynamic subscriptions, fundraising, sponsorship arts charter across all creative practices. Indigenous artists to receive increased vision for the future. and donations. visibility and profile. Creative South Australia: A Vision AICSA is comprised of a voluntary for the Arts is the outcome of that committee of arts leaders from across public forum and encompasses the all sectors of the arts with a mission to discussions, debates and dreams of the advocate for a sustainable and vibrant 200 arts representatives who attended arts community in South Australia. the forum. The first stage has been the drafting of the document by AICSA with consultant Andrew Bleby. The document has undergone further drafts and discussion since that time with ongoing sector consultation ready for its final draft and release in 2017.

2 3 4 THE KEY MESSAGES South Australia’s arts sector is positive LEADERSHIP: RETAINING TALENT: about the future. Creative South Adelaide is a city of firsts and has led To continue to retain and attract artists Australia: A Vision for the Arts the nation in embracing arts and culture and other cultural workers - given its reflects a sense of optimism based on as a core to the city’s identity and small population compared to other South Australia’s history as a creative international profile. South Australia has artistic centres - South Australia must innovator and looks to a future that long been acknowledged as a leader in actively support and develop the best embraces the arts as both a force for the arts and cultural industries. makers and creative innovators. community good and an economic EDUCATION: driver. The city of Adelaide is on the OPPORTUNITIES: South Australia requires a long-term international radar with the Telegraph South Australia is uniquely positioned vision for the city and the state that UK comparing Adelaide to the dynamic to transform a creative breeding ground has, at its heart, a collaborative nexus US city Portland: into a place of sustainable arts and culture. between education and the arts. “Adelaide may be most known for its CULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE: food and wine but culture runs a close INVESTMENT: Government and private investment into With first-rate cultural infrastructure the second. The city is going through a quality and output of artistic work created the cultural sector helps to create jobs dynamic, creative phase” and like will lift, audiences will grow, artists will and strengthens the economy. Cultural Portland, “Both cities boast a small move here, visitors will stay longer and activities and industries contribute to population, great coffee, a thriving indie professionals who drive the knowledge economic growth – through exports, music scene, craft beer, progressive economy will choose to live here. citizens, environmental innovation and tourism, the development of support a strong creative class who are drawn to industries and multiplier effects. FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS the area for its affordable rents.” 1 With a critical mass of cultural INNOVATION: activity embedded across the AICSA thanks the arts community of Creative South Australia: A Vision Artists are innovators, they test limits state, an integrated mix of income South Australia for making this vision for the Arts is structured in short and boundaries and engage with becomes possible, helping to achieve possible. The sector has given its frank chapters which outline the innovative emerging technologies to tell stories in sustainability and self-sufficiency for and honest feedback in a united voice to history of the arts in South Australia and new and exciting ways. artists and organisations. ensure the sustainability and prosperity step through the fundamental building of the arts in South Australia. blocks of a successful arts and creative GLOBAL: economy: South Australia can be a centre for We are delighted to present this vision as global exports of arts and culture. the first stage in an ongoing discussion Investing in creativity, attracting arts with stakeholders, government, private leaders and providing opportunities for investors, arts lovers and audiences. adventurous and innovative projects will We welcome feedback and comments pay global dividends. which can be sent to [email protected].

5 Adelaide: A city of firsts in art and culture

In Australia, we expect and anticipate that our Since the 1960s, South Australia has an continue to draw artists from across the extraordinary history of creativity and country and around the world and gain artists will exercise our freedom of expression and enterprise. We are proven innovators, international attention. creative leaders and visionaries. be fearless, take risks, and develop and present We have led the creation of arts and Since the establishment of the Adelaide theatre for generations of young inspiring work across national and international Festival in 1960, South Australia has long audiences, which have embedded arts borders. A culturally ambitious nation is confident been acknowledged as a leader in the and creativity into our psyche. arts and cultural industries. In particular, and constantly striving. SA has led the way in arts programs that A raft of key cultural organisations Australia Council Strategic Plan 2014-2019 have striven to create social change and created by State Government in the early progress, and to making art accessible 1970s have provided SA with unique arts to every person. infrastructure - State Theatre Company SA, the JamFactory, State Opera SA have We are a city of firsts. We were the all developed strong identities and lead cradle of the re-born national film in the development of their particular industry which has told stories that art forms. helped shape the nation. We are the epicentre of festival culture in Australia, boasting over a dozen festivals, which

6 Having a vibrant arts community is the reason South to come and live here. Australia’s 2055 Vision day, November 2014

South Australia is uniquely positioned readily formed and sustained, and unique to transform a creative breeding ground collaboration occurs naturally. into a city of sustainable arts and culture. As a state, we are well positioned to take Experienced and passionate leadership advantage of our size, unique history advantage in arts education, festivals, craft, and creative enterprise to continue to design, film, music, experimentation, build a future for ourselves and our Aboriginal heritage and audience children that can serve as an example engagement underpins our strong arts to the world – a future in which we are and cultural history. locally inspired, internationally admired and globally connected. South Australia is one of the best places in the world to live. A place where we As the nature of funding and subsidy value the enjoyment of life, time with continues to evolve and our audiences our friends and family, strengthened become increasingly sophisticated our by a unique sense of balance, fairness, creative industries will embrace this honesty and tolerance. It’s a place evolution. where intellectual capital has a special value and drives us to be vibrant and progressive. Now is the time for strong The demography and geography of and strategic support for our state and its capital city make for incredible connections. In bigger cities our creative and cultural the size of the population and the industries as a key spread of creative industries encourage component in the life of dispersal and separation. By contrast our state and in forging Adelaide’s creative communities know each other, our organisations work the new economy. together more easily, networks are

7 Why culture and The fruits of creativity are all around us. Cultural activities and industries The work of creative minds is evident, contribute to economic growth not just in theatres, galleries and concert – through exports, tourism, the the arts? halls, but in the music we hear, the development of support industries and clothes we wear, the mobile applications multiplier effects. we use, and the buildings that frame our horizons. It is reflected in the books we But most importantly, as they have read, the films we watch, and the history for thousands of years for Aboriginal we tell. Australians, the arts help us understand others and ourselves, they are initiators That’s because artists and creatives and carriers of ideas, they interpret have the unique ability to see and and record, they help people heal, and think differently and we must continue charge life with meaning. Investing in the Canadian cultural sector helps to create to embrace and apply this across all sectors of society and the economy. The arts underpin the rich diversity jobs, strengthens the economy and ensures that the Whether it is in our education system, of culture and lifestyle that South unique Canadian perspective is shared with the world. influencing innovation in technology Australians so enjoy and value. and science, improving our health and Newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, wellbeing, or caring for our natural environment, it is a vision of lively and That’s why culture and aims to invest nearly $1.9 billion ($1.85 AUD) over a five- inspiring activities and opportunities for year period in various cultural industries. the whole population to benefit from the arts are critical to and enjoy. navigating our future. Canadian Federal Budget 2016 There is growing evidence that an education in the arts leads to better academic achievement and higher graduation rates2. Integrating the arts and education gives us the ability to explore ideas, use our imagination, take risks and expand our capacity to learn.

8 Innovation is nurtured and celebrated

Technology’s influence is irresistible and creatives generate through broadcast While we can’t know its relationship with the creative arts and social media, public events and live what new kinds of art continues to evolve. performance in welcoming and versatile venues and precincts. may emerge in the next Innovative hybrid art forms are now 40 years, what we can becoming the norm, the boundaries These art forms will continue to bring are disappearing between visual art people to our theatres, galleries, be sure of is that art and and music, circus and theatre, graphic cinemas, open spaces and concert halls performance, music and design and story-telling and traditional along with new, immersive, imaginative spectacle will continue to industries. and alternative venues and platforms. infuse all places including Our successful makers, producers and workplaces, museums and presenters of art are connected and see public spaces. new possibilities, enter new territories and embrace new audiences.

It is not just lovers of the arts who seek out and enjoy cultural experiences – everyone, everyday accesses the huge diversity of creative work that artists and

9 Creativity at the centre South Australia’s economic future is return on investment to our economy. In the subject of intense analysis and 2015, 1.7m people attended arts events of our speculation. in South Australia, generating $96.8m in revenue6. The Committee for Economic Development of Australia set out “Ten The state’s future lies with the Top Identified Actions” in Shaping introduction of new value-adding economy the Future of South Australia (2014)4. industries and knowledge intensive Culture and the arts can and should services. The way to ensure this over play a valuable part in many of the next 40 years is to actively support them – from ‘increasing skilled and the development of a connected, business migration to South Australia’, creative society through the arts, cultural Our creative potential goes beyond Mad March – to ‘strengthening linkages between entrepreneurship and education. businesses, universities, research with arts and recreation services contributing a total institutions and Government to drive innovation’. of $853 million to our economy in 2015-16. Adelaide Strengthening investment is developing its reputation – but, as in some of our Cultural industries and the arts in the arts will see greater contribute to the state economy by other key industries, we face a shortage of locally- bringing benefits to architecture, return to our state. The grown talent.3 education, business innovation, health- arts can play a central role care and many other areas of life. They Make it big Adelaide, Deloitte in building and sustaining have a positive effect on the social, the South Australian cultural and economic wellbeing of the state and its people. economy of the future.

Cultural industries in South Australia account for 2.8% of total employment (approximately half the national average for cultural employment)5 yet the cultural industries provide a significant

10 Our artists play to the world

Any civil society has a We see South Australia as a centre of Our contemporary musicians are experience our festivals, our unique global exports for arts and culture. world-renowned; our movies are infrastructure and spaces and vibrant vibrant arts community. seen everywhere; and our visual arts local companies. Their visit to our state Fostering creativity, attracting creative and crafts are all being exported. The brings investment in both cultural and South Australia can be minds and providing opportunities for internet allows us to share our online tourist dollars. Their experience is then a great base for global adventurous and innovative projects creativity with people anywhere, exported to the world, enhancing our will pay global dividends. Integrating instantly. There are tremendous reputation as the nation’s leader in arts artists. entrepreneurial skills and business opportunities for exporting our screen- and cultural practice. acumen in training programs for our 2055 Vision day, November 2014 based arts and services, our music, our artists and cultural workers, will enable design, our festivals and our ideas. them to build new and exciting business models that promote sustainable growth. Our festivals continue to grow at above In a newly mobile and the national average and provide brand, connected world, our We already export our art and culture wealth and cultural exports for our state. to the world. In the performing arts, cultural exports will reach our professional theatre, dance and Not only do we take our work to the even further. youth theatre companies regularly tour world but also through cultural tourism America, Europe and Asia, winning the world comes to us. International critical acclaim. audiences come to South Australia to

11 A home for artists and creative thinkers

Given the small population - South A truly vibrant city can only be realised A vibrant city cannot be Australia must actively work to retain through a critical mass of creative created by decree. This and attract artists and other cultural people. workers. It must offer the best teachers vision can only be realised and training; the best pathways in through a critical mass of establishing and growing careers; the best funding and support; the Cities like Adelaide must creative people. best opportunities for graduates continue to place artists 2055 Vision day, November 2014 to pursue their ideas; encourage at the centre of their entrepreneurialism and incentives to establish new enterprises. regeneration.

Lively creative cities become hubs. They become magnets for all kinds of intellectual capital – thinkers, academics, leaders, and innovators – world-class specialists. Such people are a dynamic force for enterprise in all spheres of life. Ideas generate capital.

12 Begin at the beginning with arts education in the Leaders in early years. Make it an essential part of learning. Arts and The arts make us smarter. Education 2055 Vision day, November 2014 Forty years ago our state became a and interconnectedness; world-class leader in arts education like no other. We touring theatre companies for young placed high value on the arts as a tool people; numerous arts activities, for developing cognitive abilities and including an arts festival for children; a social awareness. Our arts organisations state-owned Centre for Youth Arts; and put education high on their priorities, comprehensive artist training colleges. working with the education system to make arts education rich and relevant. We see a long-term vision for the city and the state that has, at its heart, a South Australia recognises the value of collaborative nexus between education education – both as a way of ensuring a and the arts. head-start for coming generations but also a lively industry that contributes to It’s a vision of South Australia as the economy. a magnet for artists, students and intellectual capital; a home for creative Recent longitudinal studies7 in industries; and a leader in cutting-edge Adelaide’s sister city of Austin, Texas, creative knowledge sources, with a show that engagement with the arts in reputation for valuing the contribution middle and senior school years leads of the arts to education and embedding to better results for students in maths, them across the community. science and social studies with higher graduation rates and fewer drop-outs.

South Australia has a rich heritage of progressive education in the arts and has several further attributes that support an arts and education development agenda: its modest size

13 A network of exceptional cultural spaces

Arts and arts venues With first-rate cultural infrastructure artists It is the range and sustainability of Hubs and spaces for co-working and will move here, visitors will stay longer and these organisations that determines the presenting all art forms will develop need to be integrated into professionals who drive the knowledge vitality of the arts . through rejuvenation projects and well- economy will choose to live here. considered investment. urban planning. South Australia’s future needs to see the 2055 Vision day, November 2014 Cultural infrastructure – our theatres, expansion of museums, performance In regional and suburban areas, a range galleries, museums, halls and event spaces, moving image centres and of diverse partners will provide suitable spaces – are much more than places to galleries, with lively, interactive showcases for touring events and house artistic and cultural activity. They programs, as well as new spaces, versatile community centres designed to are living spaces which create a culture integrated within city hotspots. develop people’s active engagement in of artistic discourse and inspirational the arts. audience engagement. To thrive over the next 40 years the organisations that comprise our Organisations that run cultural cultural landscape must be encouraged institutions develop programs to fill and supported. Emerging artists and Cultural infrastructure them. They create cultural enterprises entrepreneurs need opportunities to can revitalise cities themselves, support local artists and establish new ventures, mid-career enable successful festivals. They make artists need support commensurate with and towns, and give exciting things happen. Some operate their worth and major organisations rise to whole precincts venues or manage collections; some need to be encouraged to engage with of creative energy and produce artistic works; some organise the wider industry and beyond. productive enterprise. festivals; some provide administration, marketing or technical support; and some do many of these things.

14 Do we really understand the intersection between our creative Financial and cultural assets and the impact on tourism, international education and sustainability the attraction of service industries? What investments would provide acceleration of this dynamic? Make it big Adelaide, Deloitte

Artists, arts organisations and While commercial viability is achievable companies gain income from myriad in some areas of cultural activity, the sources: sale of artworks; ticket sales; arts generally rely on additional support fees for service; commercial activities; to survive or flourish, and much of this government programs; corporate is provided by the whole community sponsorship and philanthropy. through government.

They, like any business, are involved in the difficult task of balancing income against the cost of creating, producing, Investment in the presenting and promoting their work. arts pays dividends Very few artists or organisations rely on economically, socially and a single source of income. A lively arts culturally. Such support is and cultural scene of sufficient scale, universally acknowledged breadth and quality will allow artists to forge a life and career in South Australia. as being vital for community prosperity and With a critical mass of cultural activity embedded across the wellbeing. state, an integrated mix of income becomes possible, helping to achieve sustainability and sometimes self- sufficiency for artists and organisations.

15 Not the last word

In 2055 the arts will be Creative South Australia: A Vision for the Arts is just the beginning of the so highly in demand and conversation. art will be so valued that With an achievable vision of wide- ranging benefits, it’s not hard to take the there will be a demand for ideas further and involve more people in more artists! realising them. 2055 Vision day, November 2014 The next step requires policy-makers, supported by the arts community, to understand and accommodate this vision and what it offers.

The vision can form a bi-partisan foundation for developing far-sighted policies for culture, the arts and creative sector, but also education and other portfolios, across all levels of government.

16 IMAGE CREDITS REFERENCES

Cover: WOMAD. Photographer Grant Hancock. 1. Brigid Delaney, The Telegraph UK, 3 April 2017, http:// Contents: Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide Fringe. www.telegraph.co.uk/luxury/travel/hail-adelaide- Photographer Tony Virgo. australian-city-became-new-portland/ Page 3: Karl Telfer, Fringe Parade. Photographer Tony Virgo. 2. “Arts are Associated with Positive Academic Outcomes” A 2014 study conducted in Adelaide’s Page 4: OzAsia. Photographer Trentino Priori. sister city Austin, Texas by the Texas Cultural Trust and Page 6: Moon Lantern Festival, OzAsia. Photographer its partners MINDPOP, E3 Alliance, and Austin ISD. Claudio Raschella. See also http://mindpop.org/about/what-value-arts- Page 7: SALA in the Square. Photographer Cath Leo. classrooms/ Page 9: Adelaide Film Festival Drive In. 3. “Make it big Adelaide”, p.18, report by Deloitte, released 18 May 2017, www.deloitte.com.au/ Page 11: Saul, Adelaide Festival. Photographer Bill Cooper. makeitadelaide. Page 13: Dream Big Family Weekend. Photographer Cath Leo. 4. Shaping the Future of South Australia report Page 15: AICSA 2055 Vision day, November 2014. prepared by KPMG with the Committee for Economic Page 16: SALA in the Square. Photographer Cath Leo. Development of Australia (August 2014). See http:// economicdevelopmentboardsa.com.au/wp-content/ Back cover: Dream Big Parade. Photographer Cath Leo. uploads/2013/06/2014_08_12-Shaping-SA-A- summary-of-the-Top-10-Identified-Actions.pdf Images courtesy of Festivals Adelaide and AICSA. 5. Figures quoted from Service Skills SA http://www. serviceskillssa.com.au/industry/arts-creative.html and ‘Australian Creative Economy Report Card 2013’ by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation (CCI) http://www.cci.edu.au/Creative_ Economy_report_card.pdf 6. Figures quoted from Live Performance Australia Ticket Attendance and Revenue Survey, 2015 http:// reports.liveperformance.com.au/ticket-survey-2015 7. “Arts are Associated with Positive Academic Outcomes”. See reference 2.

www.aicsa.net.au

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