Public Panel: The Future of the Arts and Democracy in Australia

Join us for an engaging panel discussion organized by colleagues at Griffith University and hosted by Natasha Mitchell, broadcast on ABC's Big Ideas. Australia stands at a crucial juncture in its cultural and democratic landscape. The creative arts are increasingly under pressure to challenge power and foster nuanced discussions. Artists, writers, and cultural organizations face growing backlash, funding cuts, and scrutiny regarding their alignment with perceived majority opinions.

At the same time, universities are observing a worrying decline in enrollments in the creative arts and humanities, raising concerns about the future of the cultural sector and the ability for individuals to pursue creative careers.

This pivotal conversation poses the question: What happens to our public life when the conditions that nurture diverse artistic expression erode, diminishing our capacity for dissent, critique, and imaginative renewal?

Featuring distinguished cultural thinkers:

• Julianne Schultz: Explores how cultural expressions shape national storytelling and social cohesion.
• André Dao: Offers insights from his award-winning fiction and cultural criticism.
• Ben Eltham: Discusses the political and economic forces affecting the arts sector.

Together, they will deliberate on the necessary reforms to protect artistic freedom as a vital public good in a challenging democratic landscape.

🎟️ Attendance is free but registration is essential! Please register here 👉 scroll to the bottom of the page for details.