The content on this page and other DCITA document archive pages is provided to assist research and may contain references to activities or policies that have no current application. See the full archive disclaimer.
A word from the Minister
Welcome to the winter 2002 edition of Artbeat.
As Minister for the Arts and Sport, I am proud of Australia's achievements in both areas. Just as our athletes won gold at the Commonwealth Games, so too our artists and cultural organisations are receiving the highest accolades.
Both areas have a capacity to enrich our lives and when performed at an elite level, capture the spirit of our nation. As I remarked recently at the launch of the next stage of Excellence Squared--a joint initiative between the Australian National Academy of Music, the Australian Institute of Sport and the Sports Commission--'sport and culture combine to give our nation much of its heart and its soul'.
Corporate Australia has a long history of contributing to that 'heart and soul', however the relationship is now changing from benefactor to business partner. The Government has introduced a number of tax-incentives to encourage arts philanthropy and the Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) is helping to create a common language between the two sectors.
Arts and cultural organisations are learning how to better market themselves to big business while the corporate sector is developing business cases for cultural investment. The result: quality partnerships with mutual benefits for both parties.
Following the success of last year's Centenary of Federation, 2002 is the Year of the Outback and communities across the country are celebrating and highlighting the contributions of rural Australia to the success of this nation.
During the Year of the Outback, regional communities are coming alive with a number of arts and cultural activities funded under the Commonwealth Government's Regional Arts Fund, and the grants programs, Playing Australia, Visions of Australia, the Contemporary Music Touring Program and Festivals Australia.
These programs ensure that all Australians have the opportunity to see the best of our vibrant and innovative culture, and I encourage everyone to experience as many cultural activities as they can.
Senator Rod Kemp