And a NEW Arts Minister..Brandis needs to go
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/nick-cave-implores-malcolm-turnbull-to-remove-arts-ministe...
apologies in advance if some have seen this already..
If a Minister is allowed to take money ($104 million) from the Australia Council for the Arts to set up his own National Program for Excellence in the Arts which will be managed by his own office, with no consultation, disregarding advice already given to him, alienating a whole industry so that a Senate inquiry is called to investigate (which is ongoing)..
Whos to say that other Ministers in other portfolios, in future governments wont act the same?..The effects will be felt around Australia..the repercussions will be felt in major cities and small country towns..Dismantling and destroying.
Oh and to those who think artists, writers, musicians, dancers, designers etc are not real jobs, or they make a lot of money, or should be happy to make their work without support- remember them the next time you go to a free festival, or a museum, or a gallery..It seems to me everyone is happy to attend Sydney Festival, White Night in Melbourne, Perth International Arts Festival, Adelaide Festival of the Arts, Darwin Festival, Brisbane Festival, Melbourne International Arts Festival, Melbourne/Brisbane/Sydney/Perth/Adelaide/Byron Bay Writers Festivals and expect these festivals to continue..Which is great, and we are grateful for your support.
But stop for a second and think of all the people that create the work you are enjoying, employ the people to make and deliver the work, inspire more people to create...
They work hard, they pay tax, they vote too.
Brandis needs to go.
