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Diversify the WA economy

The pandemic has uncovered issues with how Creative Industries are positioned within the economy. Disruptive moments are key opportunities to shift thinking around critical points.

Some parts of the sector are highly impacted by technological change and we need to continue developing skills and facilities to enable the creative community to excel.

As the Government’s Diversify WA Strategy points out: tourism, events, and the creative industries make a vital contribution to the vibrancy and liveability throughout the State.

Premier McGowan announced in May 2019 that the Creative Industries would form part of the Diversify WA strategy. The pandemic has highlighted the need to accelerate this strategy.

A 2017 report by PwC, "The Internet’s effect on creative industries," documents the fast growth in consumer demand, local content, and creative exports.

Australians working in the creative industries has outpaced the national average employment growth over the last decade. However, the 2016 census showed that Western Australia lagged behind, achieving only 0.7% growth per year compared to a national average of 2.2%. 

Develop and commit to funding a Creative Industries Strategy for the State.

Cultural tourism has been identified as an area for development, yet no effective collaboration between government departments exists to encourage the development of compelling products and experiences.

Recent success in large scale regional events, like Albany's Field of Light attracting 100,000 visitors, and growth in smaller scale Indigenous cultural tourism demonstrates the added value that arts and culture can bring to the tourism sector.

Establish a cross-sector working group to create a cultural tourism strategy and identify key areas, events, and products for future development.

As described in the Asian Engagement Strategy, the State government identifies Western Australia remains a strategic locale as a gateway to Asia and the Indian Ocean Rim nations.

The nature of people to people exchanges have changed for the foreseeable future but it is still crucial to foster a sense of connection and collaboration within our region.

Trade is critical to our success and promoting our diversity enhances the perception that this is a good place for business as well as for quality of life. It also supports our migrant communities and their participation in growing the influence of our State.

Despite the temporary suspension of international travel, the government must promote our State to regional neighbours and create opportunities for international exchange. 

$2 million over 4 years for a program to develop international arts and cultural events will bring long-term benefits to the sector and provide a platform for fostering useful relationships. 

 

Arts Matters

The Chamber of Arts and Culture WA acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Western Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities.

We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

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