The Andrews Labor Government is calling for Victorians working in all creative sectors to help shape the next four-year strategy to grow local creative industries and continue to build our reputation as the creative state.
Expressions of interest are now open for leaders and participants in our creative and arts communities to bring their skills to a new Creative Industries Advisory Group to help with the development of our next strategy due in 2020.
This work will build on the success and momentum generated by the Labor Government’s first-ever creative industries strategy Creative State 2016-2020, developed with the input of 10,000 Victorians and backed by a $115m investment.
Advisory group members will be asked to provide insights on current issues and challenges, propose potential Government action, and make recommendations on how to best engage and develop investment and change within the industry. The advisory group will be charged with gaining wider views, and planning new initiatives that develop our small, medium and independent creative sectors.
Victoria’s creative industries have experienced significant growth, as has their impact. The latest figures reveal that the creative industries contribute $28.4 billion to the state economy, up 12% in three years. These industries currently employ 260,000 Victorians, up 14% since 2013-14 while cultural tourism is now worth $2 billion, an increase of 88% since 2013.
Expressions of interest will be taken from people who have expert knowledge of the creative industries, who can challenge the current way of thinking, have a collaborative and inclusive approach, and a proven ability to get creative communities and industries participating.
The advisory group will be chaired by the Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley and members will be appointed for a fixed term commencing from May 2019. They will play a key role in broader public and sector consultation later this year.
“Our creative industries bring significant social, cultural and economic benefits to Victoria,” said Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley. “They’re at the heart of our identity, our prized live-ability and our appeal to visitors.”
“Our first creative industries strategy was developed hand in hand with our creative community, and that has been the key to its success. We are now seeking our brightest creative minds to continue this success, find new ways to encourage growth and innovation, and continue to strengthen our reputation as the creative state.”
Expressions of interest close Friday 12 April 2019 For more information and to apply, visit: www.creative.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: White Night Melbourne, Pyrophone Juggernaut, 2017 – photo by Rohan Shearn