A quick tour of the state of cultural policy in the English speaking world. The UK creative industry movement proves that the power of the creative economy can only be achieved through coordinated local, national and international cultural policy initiatives. So what’s going on in the creative industry policy world? Who is succeeding and who is failing?
John Brown argues in the Huffington Post to turn the US Department of Defense into the American Ministry of Culture. Many would argue that is already the case but he does offer some interesting ideas on what could possibly happen if that change were to occur.
In the UK a strong plea for national music education appears on the Guardian’s music blog. There, Tom Service, calls for an ambassador of musical education similar to what is happening in the US. Here, in the USA, Michelle Obama has taken on the role of classical music trumpeter and Tom thinks its a good idea.
The creative economy is also spreading quickly into English speaking Africa. The Government in Ghana is now dedicating money and infrastructure to the creative industries because in order to survive they “need better conditions.”
Further afar in Oz the Minister of Arts has just launched a national web forum to develop the country’s 2020 cultural policy approach. And for those that think creative economy organizations should be managed more like businesses Creative Scotland has just published their business plan online. How is that for policy and strategic business thinking?
Quotes, Links and Summaries below:
A Modest Proposal: Make the Pentagon Our Very Own Ministry of Culture! (Huffington Post, US)
“…The hundreds of U.S. military bases throughout the world are turned into cultural centers similar to those run by the United States Information Agency during the Cold War (but of course these new centers would be bigger, more user friendly, and equipped with far more advanced technology). Security is not a problem, of course, given the presence of US armed personnel trained in “cultural sensitivity.” Read More
***
We need a Michelle Obama to champion classical music (Guardian, UK)
“…This might be no more than symbolic window-dressing in an economic environment in which arts funding for the big institutions in America is in the same parlous state it has been for the past couple of years, and in which music education is appallingly patchy (if you thought we had problems here, there’s no comparison with the US system, where many schools have no provision at all for music, and no obligation to teach the subject). But even as a symbol, Michelle’s support for classical music – and reports that her daughters Sasha and Malia have signed up for piano lessons – still matters, potentially showing a generation of young people that this music need not have the associations of economic or social elitism it has built up over decades in America.” Read More
***
Better conditions for creative industries soon (Accra Mail, Ghana)
“… According to Mr. Francis Twum, General Secretary of GAPI, the production and distribution of creative works had assumed new dimensions with the advent of modern technology. He said that GAPI was spearheading the review of the policy to bring it in tune with modern development and engender international investor confidence in the creative arts sector.” Read More
***
Creative Scotland business model unveiled (Creative Scotland, UK)
“…The proposed new business model requires fewer roles than there are at present, but there will be no compulsory redundancies. We will work sensitively with the staff affected by this change, with due respect for their rights and entitlements. Our ambition is that Creative Scotland begins life with a committed and enthusiastic staff enabled to build an organisation whose achievements are only surpassed by the sectors it serves.” Read more
***
A National Cultural Policy to 2020 (Oz Arts Council)
“Launched by the Hon. Minister for the Arts during his speech to the National Press Club on 27 October this forum gives all Australians an opportunity to help shape our cultural future. The Hon. Peter Garrett AM identified three key themes for consideration: Keeping culture strong; Engaging the community; and, Powering the young. Read More
