National Launch
On April 2 2008, a coalition of national arts organisations and leading Australian artists pledged to promote the part played by all Australians in making the performing arts industry a national and international success. The launch of the “We All Play a Part” national advocacy campaign acknowledges the many ways in which Australians contribute to and are enriched by our performing arts industry.
This is first time such a broad coalition of representative bodies from the arts have come together for an advocacy campaign. It marks the renewed confidence in the Australian performing arts industry at a time of growing audiences and greater than ever participation in creative industries, and increasing recognition of the community benefits of a strong, vibrant performing arts industry.
Research shows that Australia’s performing arts industry generates significant benefits for all Australians. Some of these benefits include:
- giving millions of Australians the chance to participate in the performing arts every year;
- building stronger communities;
- developing world class performing arts talent;
- sending Australian performers around the globe;
- improving our kids’ education;
- boosting skills in the workforce; and
- boosting our economy.
In today’s global economy, Australia needs every competitive advantage it can get.
A strong performing arts industry is a vital ingredient to a culturally and economically prosperous nation.
The direct contribution to the economy by Australia’s arts and related industry groups is about $8 billion per annum, making a bigger contribution than the wine and spirits industry. Tellingly, major studies show that communities that invest in the arts do better economically.
But the contribution of performing arts to Australia’s economic and social well being of the country is broad and deep. Australians with a broad range of skill sets are involved either directly or indirectly by performing arts, including carpenters, electricians, audiovisual technicians, box office staff, creative directors, performers, managers and publicists.
These Australians are likely to be critical, innovative thinkers who challenge conventional wisdom to solve problems and get things done. These are the skills that are needed by so many Australian companies and organisations today.
Each year, 15.9 million admissions are issued to popular concerts, theatre, opera, musicals or dance performances in this country, in venues as diverse as the Mount Isa Theatrical Society, Acer Arena, the Riverside Theatres in Parramatta and the La Trobe Performing Arts Centre. Those Australians who attend a performing arts event are helping talented young performers follow their dreams and share their talent.
Without a strong performing arts industry, Australia would be much worse off. Our best and brightest would go overseas and our children would never know the joy of seeing their favourite overseas band perform a blistering live set at an outdoor festival, nor we the thrill of seeing Australian performers stamp their mark on the latest Broadway hit.
In the suburbs, cities and country towns around the country, families are choosing to play a part in ensuring the future of our nation’s performing arts industry. Indeed. We all play a part in making our performing arts stronger and better for all Australians.
The “We All Play a Part” campaign is a new initiative that will highlight the importance of a strong performing arts sector for Australia in the 21st Century. Go to www.weallplayapart.com.au to play your part in our future.
Case Study
Australia’s performing arts industry is full of success stories. Throughout the campaign, we’ll share case studies to show how we all play a part in nurturing talent; in expanding participation and enjoyment; in building stronger communities and in fostering national pride.
In a country the size of Australia, one of the greatest challenges facing the performing arts industry in ensuring audiences have access to great performances, no matter where they live.
The Case Study below shows how Opera Australia, The Queensland Orchestra and the Sydney Symphony are meeting this challenge and helping to break down the barriers of distance and isolation.
Click here to read their story.
