Art and Politics: Government and the Arts in Australia: A Historical and Critical Analysis

Australian governments have been engaged with arts and culture since European settlement, with changing understandings of culture and Indigenous Culture receiving special attention. Governments have censored arts practice and intervened directly, and different approaches to the arts have been taken. The recent pandemic has impacted the arts sector, and research reports about the relationship between the arts and government are noted. Governments could address issues such as a more sustainable cultural policy in the future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Australian governments at all levels have been deeply involved in the arts and culture since the early days of European settlement. This engagement has taken various forms, and the historical and critical analysis of these interactions is documented in this book. The book explores changing perceptions of culture and the importance of Indigenous culture to Australia, with a particular focus on the engagement of the Federal Government. However, it also considers the involvement of state and local governments in the arts and culture sector.

The book also examines the censorship of arts practices by governments and the direct interventions of politicians in arts practice. It explores different approaches to the arts by governments, including attempts to develop a national cultural policy. The impact of the recent pandemic on the arts sector is addressed, and various research reports about the arts sector and its relationship with government are noted.

In the final chapter, the book discusses some issues that governments could address in the future to ensure a more sustainable Australian arts sector. This includes promoting cultural diversity, investing in arts infrastructure, and supporting artists and cultural organizations.

This book will be of interest to scholars of contemporary arts, arts management, cultural history, public policy, and cultural policy. It may also interest bureaucrats and politicians who are interested in understanding the role.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032040714