A creative nation, or not?

Posted in update by KFadmin on April 8th, 2008 | Comments Off

A few months ago, I heard about the Australian Government’s plans to have a summit this month aimed at shaping the country’s future to the year 2020. One of the ten topics to be discusssed by panels drawn from the Australian people was impressively titled: “Towards a creative Australia: the future of the arts, film and design.”

With the talented and eloquent Cate Blanchett chairing this section, the future was looking pretty bright. This was a government with a unique vision. One that appreciates the importance of creativity to our futures. After all, what good is a scientist, engineer or even doctor who lacks creativity? It takes imagination, vision and originality to solve problems and embrace new ideas. Yes, the creative arts were finally being acknowledged. Books and authors would now surely receive the recognition and respect they deserve.

Or so I thought.