If we can connect with our audiences locally and resonate globally we shall truly be doing something of profound importance. Lyndon Terracini

At the 2020 Summit, the Rudd Government established a ‘Creative Australia’ as a goal for the future. Those who play their part in Australia’s performing arts industry are the experts in using creative skills and ideas to make innovative, world class work. If we want Australia to be an innovative and creative achiever in 2020, we will need a strong and vibrant performing arts sector.

Anticipating change

In May 2008, the Australia Council for the Arts released the ‘Anticipating Change’ report into the future of Australia’s major performing arts companies. The Council recognised the increasing importance of the creative sector to the Australian economy, but warned that rising costs would threaten the performing arts in Australia. AMPAG member companies call upon federal and state governments to continue to play their part in our performing arts, by investing in innovative projects which draw on Australian culture and community.

Making the new investment package a success

The 28 major performing arts companies are moving to finetune and implement plans for new work and artist development across the country.

2008 sees implementation of a new new $5.9 million a year investment package for 20 of the AMPAG companies from Federal and State Governments. Australia’s artistic leaders are planning to ensure a major return on the investment on stage and in the Concert Hall.

The companies expect audiences will see a range of new Australian work, plus some exciting programs to develop emerging talent in dance, music, opera, drama and circus. Visit member company sites for details. It is a welcome boost to nurturing talent after a few years of in which real spending on on-stage work was stalling.

 
Contributing to a new National Cultural Strategy

Just recently in a highly significant development, the Cultural Ministers Council committed itself to developing a National Cultural Strategy. This gathering of Federal, State and Local government has committed itself to new levels of collaboration to achieve the goal.

AMPAG hopes to work closely with those working on the strategy to identify the opportunities to take adantage of the talent in Australia, and to gain the full return on investment in devleoping the arts infrstructure of the country.

 
An international showcase for Australia’s talent

There is a growing curiosity and interest from overseas in just why Australia has so many individual artists of great talent and successful ensembles able to excite audiences in major world capitals and throughout the Asia/Pacific area.

Bangarra Dance Theatre will this year join Sydney Dance Company, Circus Oz and Australian Chamber Orchestra as an International Flagship company. Musica Viva is continuing its decade long commitment to touring smaller ensembles to coutnries across our region in conunction with the Australian embassies.

With the costs of travel so high for Australian based companies AMPAG will seek new investment in programs that enable the performing arts to meet their potenital internationally. After all our international reputation as a creative and dynamic nation is closely tied with achievement in the arts and culture as well as in science and education.

 
AMPAG companies work to create exciting cities and towns

At state level, companies are involved in policy making to create exciting city environments and taking the best of Australian work to the towns and regional cities where the performing arts are a hot spot for community life. I

In Melbourne AMPAG companies are involved in plans to create an expanded arts precinct south of the Yarra and in Perth planning is underway for a new theatre.

The education programs of companies from Orchestra Victoria to Opera Queensland allow more people to develop their talent and to join in community ensembles.