Background

P.A.I.D. (Performing Arts Industry Development) is an initiative advocating for greater support for the professional performing arts sector in the ACT and Southern NSW region.

Dianna Nixon has worked in this region for the past 22 years, and her observations are that we are no closer to having a thriving professional sector than we were 22 years ago. This is despite the stellar work of many artists who make this region their home. In fact, they make their excellent work in the face of underwhelming support.

What the region has done is focus a lot of resources on entry-level activity, community programs and amateur companies. This is important to do, as we know the arts is of huge benefit to anyone at any age, and increasing participation and access was something that needed to happen. Job done. Many opportunities are being supported. Many of them with professional artists leading the activity.

However, there is much more we could be doing in this region. We could lobby and smooth the way for more film and TV projects for a start. That would bring jobs, and demand for location services, catering, accommodation, extras casting and more. With an incredible array of possible locations – landscape or built infrastructure – the region is ideal for film. So where are the return productions?

We’ve an international airport in Canberra that could fly more tourists in for cultural adventures. Currently many people do come to see the collecting institutions, but what if Canberra had long-running commercial musicals? And higher profile performance events that had international standing? These tourists might stay longer, come more often. Many people from our region travel to other capitals to see big shows, but could we strengthen the trend in our direction?

The new lyric theatre planned for Canberra will be the jewel in the crown of professional performing arts practice in the region. Once it is open we should start to see other activities grow around it.

But that’s a few years away, and we are tired of waiting for brave, ingenious strategic action. So – MTP are talking to a range of professionals in the sector to invite them to participate in a Roundtable in July this year. These artists work across the performing arts – live and recorded – and all have national and international experience, and work full time in their field.

Project Status

A small group of professionals gathered on the afternoon of Monday 6th July to take a deep dive into the issues that stand in the way of growing the sector in our region. This was built on months of conversations across the sector. Then we opened the doors to an invitation-only event hosting a group of colleagues, policy makers, representatives from business, innovation, and education to widen the discussion. The focus was on economic development, and ways we can grow the sector.

Collaborators

We hope to build on the relationships formed during this process. 

Work-In-Progress 

Meetings to be held with a range of stakeholders.

Important dates and activities

More soon.