The Federal Government has conducted a forum in Sydney in an attempt form a strategy platform for how the government can best support, develop and export Australia’s digital arts and culture.

 

Over the past several weeks, industry representatives have contributed to the discussion via a 'digitculture' wiki and social media websites.

 

The consultation forum was held at the NSW Teacher’s Federation Conference Centre in Sydney and was chaired by ACT Senator Kate Lundy and included an address from the Minister for the Arts, Simon Crean.

 

"With the roll out of high-speed broadband, we can expect to see a surge in digital applications and services in the arts and creative industries," Mr Crean said.

 

"We can also expect greater access to cultural collections, education and training, research initiatives and collaborative projects.

 

"The Digital Culture Public Sphere is an important part of the National Cultural Policy consultation and I look forward to seeing the outcomes in the resulting submission paper."

 

Senator Lundy said the Digital Culture Public Sphere would result in a formal submission to the National Cultural Policy by the October 21 deadline.

 

 

Speakers for the live event included:

  • Ron Curry - CEO, Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (iGEA)
  • Matthew Deaner - Manager, Strategy & Research, Screen Australia
  • Gavin Artz - CEO, Australian Network for Art and Technology (ANAT)
  • Tim Hart - Director, Information, Multimedia and Technology, Museum of Victoria
  • Caitlin Vaughan - Manager, Research and Policy, Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE)
  • Lisa Havilah - Director, CarriageWorks
  • Craig Wilson - Managing Director, Sticky Ads
  • Dr Tony Moore - Senior Lecturer, Monash University
  • Elliott Bledsoe - Digital Content Officer, Australia Council for the Arts
  • Suse Cairns - PhD candidate, University of Newcastle
  • Greg Hall - Producer, Lockout
  • Paul Wallbank - Speaker, broadcaster and writer on business and technology
  • John Wardle - Musician, teacher and live music advocate
  • Paul Callaghan - Freelance writer and independent game developer