- Published:
- Thursday 16 April 2015
The Andrews Labor Government has formed a Taskforce to steer the future of Victoria’s $22.7 billion creative industries, to be led by some of Australia’s most respected industry talent.
Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, today unveiled the high-powered Taskforce, to be chaired by Louise Adler, CEO of Melbourne University Publishing.
The Taskforce includes film maker Tony Ayres, multi-talented performers Shaun Micallef and Eddie Perfect; artist and academic Professor Callum Morton, director of Bendigo Art Gallery Karen Quinlan; CEO of ARIA Dan Rosen; CEO of ACMI Katrina Sedgwick, and policy specialists Bronte Adams and Mark Madden.
It will develop a plan to open up new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and industry growth, across areas including arts, culture, screen, digital games and design.
A 13-member expert reference group will also work with the Taskforce.
The expertise of its members spans design, games development, Aboriginal arts and culture, film and television, music, visual and performing arts, festivals, cultural entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
Through a broad consultation process – to be launched in the coming months – the Taskforce will open up a public conversation about the future of Victoria’s creative industries.
Quotes attributable to Martin Foley, Minister for Creative Industries
“Our creative industries are central to who we are as a people and as a community and to our reputation as the ideas and culture centre of Australia, attracting people from across the world. They also make a significant contribution to the local economy.”
“Victoria’s strength is in the talent, ingenuity and diversity of our people – and that’s reflected in the Taskforce. The Andrews Labor Government is working with some of Australia’s leading figures to create a plan for the future of our creative industries.”
“Everything will be on the table – from the arts, to screen, to design. The Taskforce will produce a plan that identifies more opportunities for collaboration and innovation, creating jobs and boosting growth.”
Quotes attributable to Louise Adler, Creative Industries Taskforce Chair
“Melbourne is Australia's cultural and creative capital and Victoria offers film makers, writers, visual artists, thespians and designers excellent facilities, government support and enthusiastic audiences. Imagining the creative state for the 21st century is an exciting opportunity for the creative industries and we look forward to contributing to shaping a future where the arts are part of all our lives and are accessible, challenging and inspirational.”
Key facts and figures
- Victoria’s creative industries contributed $22.7 billion to Victoria in 2013 – representing 8% of the state’s economy.
- The creative industries employed over 220,000 people in Victoria, generated $1.4 billion in exports and attracted cultural tourism worth $1 billion.
- The creative industries are growing at almost double the rate of the broader economy.
- 89% of Victorians (aged 15 and over) attended a cultural venue or event last year.
- Victoria is home to:
- The country’s most visited public gallery, museum and library.
- Australia’s only centre for the moving image (ACMI), and only centre for books, writing and ideas (The Wheeler Centre).
- A strong independent arts community and a dynamic cultural events calendar that spans contemporary art, literature, design, jazz, and games.
- Victoria is Australia’s capital for television drama, capturing 48% of the market last year.
- Representing close to half of Australia’s digital games industry, Victoria is home to 90 game development studios, animation houses and games industry service providers.
- More than 81,000 people are employed in the design services sector across the state and Victorian design firms generate more than $200 million annually in design-related exports.
- Last year, Victoria’s state-owned arts and cultural institutions attracted more than 10 million visitors.