Art and Politics: Government and the Arts in Australia: A Historical and Critical Analysis Josephine Caust 9781032040721

Australian governments at all levels have been engaged with arts and culture in many different forms since the beginning of European settlement. The way this has occurred is documented and analysed here, both from an historical and critical perspective.

Changing understandings of culture and the significance of Indigenous Culture to Australia receive special attention. While the focus is primarily directed to Federal Government engagement, there is also consideration paid to both state and local government involvement. There is attention paid to the censorship of arts practice by governments as well as the direct interventions by politicians in arts practice. Different approaches to the arts by governments are also considered, as well as attempts to develop a national cultural policy. The impact of the recent pandemic is addressed and various research reports about the arts sector and its relationship with government are also noted. There is then a final discussion about some issues that governments could address in the future, that might ensure a more sustainable Australian arts sector.

This book will be of particular interest to scholars of contemporary arts, arts management, cultural history, public policy and cultural policy. It may also interest bureaucrats and politicians.

Josephine Caust is a Principal Fellow (Honorary) and Associate Professor in the School of Culture and Communication at the University of Melbourne, Australia. She was Founder Editor of the Asia Pacific Journal of Arts and Cultural Management and has authored works such as Arts Leadership in Contemporary Contexts (Routledge 2018), Arts and Cultural Leadership in Asia (Routledge 2015) and Arts Leadership: International Case Studies (Tilde University Press 2013). She is a regular arts commentator for The Conversation.

"This is a timely and well written account of the relationship between the arts/cultural sector and the governments and policy frameworks that are, ostensibly, responsible for supporting it. There is a long history here of contestation, debate and struggle on the part of artists for their work to be appropriately recognised. This book not only tells the story of the nexus between arts and government, it unequivocally advocates for the cultural value of arts practices, and the need for governments to take a bipartisan approach to ensure the arts have a chance of a sustainable future."

Professor Hilary Glow, Deakin University

"Art and Politics: Government and the Arts in Australia. An Historical and Critical Analysis is a comprehensive, insightful, and remarkably well-researched book on one country's evolving and often contradictory cultural policies and practices. Jo Caust deftly guides us through the development of Australia's varied and dynamic cultural landscape over the last 200 years while crafting frameworks that can be used to develop deeper, richer, and more productive conversations among and between artists, arts institutions, indigenous populations, and those in government. This book is a valuable resource for those studying cultural development and arts leaders, policymakers, and funders grappling with the challenges of creating and sustaining vibrant arts ecologies in their countries."

Emeritus Professor William J. Byrnes, author of Management and the Arts

"Josephine Caust is one of the leading experts on Australian cultural policy. Her published work and frequent policy contributions have been influential both in Australia and internationally. This long-awaited book will create wide interest among researchers, academics and policy makers, as well as among members of the general public interested to gain fresh insights into the past, present and potential future of Australian art and culture."

Distinguished Professor David Throsby, Macquarie University

"Artists are the forgotten foot soldiers of the creative economy. This book is a timely reminder of the social value of the arts, restoring artists at the core of contemporary cultural policy. Caust's work is grounded in a detailed historical analysis of Australian culture, government and politics, and draws on her personal story as an academic, arts worker and passionate believer in the power of art and artists to transform lives. Her book will be an inspiration for students, artists and - whisper it - politicians."

Chris Bilton, Professor of Creative Industries, University of Warwick