The Creative State Summit returns to Melbourne in June and members of Victoria’s creative sector are invited to take part as speakers and delegates.
An initiative of the Victorian Government’s Creative State strategy, the Summit is an annual gathering of creative practitioners and organisations from across Victoria. Last year more than 400 people attended the two days of forums, discussions and networking events, building connections with practitioners from across the arts, cultural, design, digital games, fashion and screen sectors.
Centred on the theme Creativity in a post truth world this year’s Summit will explore how creativity can help influence and shape public debate, the role of the artist or creative practitioner as an activist and game changer, and how creativity can respond to challenging issues and uncertain times.
At a time when community trust in many public institutions is low, the Summit will also explore the role of cultural institutions, such as museums and libraries, as a source of authenticity.
The first speakers to be announced include US journalist Aaron Foley who was last year appointed Chief Storyteller in Residence of the City of Detroit. This new role seeks to highlight local stories that don’t get covered by traditional media and to change the narrative of the city, which is emerging from a period of decline.
Australian-born, UK-based actor, dancer and disability campaigner Kiruna Stamell will speak about the importance of diversity in the creative sector, and Museum Hack Founder Nick Gray, will speak about how museums and galleries can reimagine the audience experience.
Featuring keynote addresses, skills development workshops, open discussion forums and opportunities to meet the speakers, the Summit program will examine bold new ideas, emerging trends and technology. More speakers will be announced in the months ahead.
Submissions are now open for Victorian creative practitioners interested in presenting at the Summit. Interested people can nominate themselves, or suggest another inspiring speaker. Submissions close on 20 April.
Delivered by REMIX Summits on behalf of the Victorian Government, the 2018 Creative State Summit will take place on 14 and 15 June 2018 at Melbourne Museum. Tickets are now available and a range of bursaries and subsidised tickets are on offer for independent Victorian creatives and small organisations. For more information, visit: www.creativestatesummit.com for details.
Image: (top l – r) Kath Duncan, Aaron Foley, Rebecca Huntley, Nick Gray (bottom l – r) Dr Jason Fox, Jessie Lloyd, Nate DiMeo, Tea Uglow – will all present at the 2018 Creative State Summit