A new project by Curtin University will collaborate with 1000 artists in Perth to provide insight into the role of arts and culture in Perth.<\/p>\n
The project is part of an international study which will analyse the cultural fabric of three cities – Perth, Vancouver and Glasgow.<\/p>\n
Associate Professor Dawn Bennett from Curtin\u2019s Faculty of Humanities and Chief Investigator of this study said that we don\u2019t understand what artists do, yet we make policies with very little knowledge of the creative workforce.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe only way to meet the needs of the creative workers behind Perth\u2019s cultural and arts scene is to understand them,\u201d Associate Professor Bennett said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA rich and diverse cultural environment plays a pivotal role in urban competitiveness, social cohesion and liveability.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of our artists go overseas to work so we don\u2019t retain their expertise. This means no mentorship for students and new graduates entering the workforce.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe survey will help provide insight into time allocation, remuneration, resource needs, migration, connectivity and the alignment of skills training to sustainable careers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are striving to bridge the gap between artists and policy makers by developing a clearer understanding of artists\u2019 work and its critical role in society.\u201d<\/p>\n
A\/Professor Bennett also disputes the claim that Perth is dullsville.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe common response to claims of \u2018dullsville\u2019 is a suggestion that we need to bring in new talent,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we understood the creative workforce better and gave them better visibility and spaces to exhibit, Dullsville would be a much harder claim to make.\u201d<\/p>\n
The study is being conducted in collaboration with the Committee for Perth.<\/p>\n
A\/Professor Bennett has recently been appointed to the Music Council of Australia. It is Australia\u2019s peak body for music.<\/p>\n
Artists who are interested in helping with this project are asked to fill out on online survey at http:\/\/research.humanities.curtin.edu.au\/creativeworkforce\/<\/a> or request a hardcopy from creativeworkforce@curtin.edu.au<\/a><\/p>\n Responses are welcome from creative workers across the state and from every discipline.<\/p>\n