2006 Regional Arts Summit

Articles - 31 August 2006

Image of the cover of the National Directions Regional Arts report During 2005, in an effort to determine the regional arts sector's views on future priorities, Regional Arts Australia undertook, arguably, the most comprehensive national consultation that has ever been undertaken into the future needs and aspirations of the arts across regional Australia.

A number of clear priorities emerged from the national consultation and these have been published in a document entitled 2006 National Directions: Regional Arts, which was launched in mid February 2006.

The development and release of Regional Arts Australia's National Directions policy document represents a significant milestone for the regional arts sector. It articulates the principal issues affecting the future aspirations for the regional arts sector nationally and highlights twenty two strategic ideas for action in the development of more sustainable arts practice and arts support across regional Australia.

In an effort to engage sector leaders, decision-makers and national service organisations in the development of action plans oriented towards the timely achievement of the policy's aims, Regional Arts Australia gained the support of the Federal Government to hold a national summit. On August 10 2006, over eighty key arts decision makers, artists, arts workers and business leaders from around Australia converged on Parliament House in Canberra to take part in the regional arts summit.

The summit was conducted as a conversation between twenty five people, facilitated by Anne Dunn the author of the report 2006 National Directions: Regional Arts, and held before an audience of key stakeholders in regional arts development from across Australia.

The summit addressed two key areas: Improving recognition of the arts in regional Australia and developing new partnerships, and Extending and strengthening the network.

Throughout the day Senator Rod Kemp, Minister for the Arts and Sport, joined in the lively discussion and debate on important issues for the arts in regional Australia.

To build on the substantial work already being done in regional Australia and move forward with regional arts priorities, the group unanimously identified seven items for immediate action.

Communicate the centrality of arts to sustainable communities,
Conduct social impact research that statistically proves the benefits of arts in the community,
Develop a national communication strategy to promote and demystify the arts,
Introduce new approaches to developing partnerships with local government, philanthropic organisations and other networks,
Build better physical and human infrastructure in the regions,
Develop relevant arts programs for young people, and
Encourage interconnectedness and community exchange amongst regional arts groups throughout Australia.

The summit was an outstanding success, and in many ways reinforced Regional Arts Australia's strategic objectives following the 2005 consultation. As a result of the summit's deliberations, Regional Arts Australia is prioritising its future objectives which will include several new national initiatives.

Regional Arts Australia very much appreciates the efforts that participants made to prepare for and attend the summit and will now be taking the outcomes from the day and advocating strongly for the further development of the arts in regional Australia.

Ruth Smiles, August 2006
Executive Director
Regional Arts Australia

Regional Arts Australia logo Regional Arts Australia is the peak body for the Australia-wide network of regional arts organisations delivering arts programs in regional Australia.

Regional Arts Australia's principal charter is to advocate for improved opportunities for regionally based Australians to access and participate in the arts.

If you would like to know more about Regional Arts Australia's member organisations and its national projects there is more information on the regional arts website at www.regionalarts.com.au.