Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke is now taking suggestions for the sequel to the Albanese Government’s five-year National Cultural Policy.

In its submission, The  Australia Institute reveals that – by a range of metrics – Revive has left the sector on life support.

It makes several recommendations to rejuvenate the nation’s struggling art, music, theatre, publishing and other creative sectors.

Key points:

• Australia’s employment rate recovered quickly from COVID and has continued to grow, despite high inflation. Meanwhile employment in the arts is yet to return to pre-COVID levels.
• In real terms, government funding of the arts has fallen by more than half a billion dollars a year.
• The music scene is particularly dire, with the algorithms of global streaming services devastating local artists.

Recommendations:

• Introduce $200 culture vouchers like those used in other countries. This would inject hundreds of millions of dollars into festivals, venues, galleries and museums.
• Redirect some of the $16.3 billion in fossil fuel subsidies to the arts.
• Make arts grants and prizes tax free.
• Implement a fair tax on gas exports, which would raise more than $17 billion a year, and use some of the revenue to fund arts and culture.
• Bring back the book bounty.

“Despite good intentions at its launch, Revive has failed to live up to its name,” said Skye Predavec, Researcher at The Australia Institute.

“The sequel to Australia’s National Cultural Policy should be titled Resuscitate.

“Many sectors are on life support. You can have all the policies you like, but there is simply no substitute for adequate funding.

“A properly-funded arts sector would contribute significantly to Australia’s economy.

“Artists, authors, musicians, performers and other creatives contribute so much more than bums on seats. They shape the way Australians see themselves and the way the world sees Australia.

“Australian art and culture cannot be moved offshore. If it’s not made in Australia, it won’t be made anywhere.

“In a cost-of-living crisis, Australians cannot stop buying food or paying their power bills. But they do stop going to shows, museums, galleries and gigs.

“At times like these Australians need a thriving arts sector more than ever. Art and culture isn’t just a relief from the struggles and stresses of everyday life, it brings joy and hope.”