Last Monday night a pre-election forum on arts policy attracted over 22 candidates in an audience of about 60 people at Theatre Works.
The event was organised by the Port Phillip Arts Collective which includes a range of local venues and arts companies including National Theatre, Red Stitch, Theatre Works and others.
The forum was a masterclass on how to get a swag of candidates to declare support for the arts as part of their pitch to voters. But it failed to attract candidates who were less arts inclined.
Political theatre Port Phillip style
There was an element of political theatre in the format. Two dozen candidates were rotated through the spotlight grouped according to their ward. They each got to give three-minute testimonials on how much they appreciate the arts and their ideas to help the local arts scene.
A whole lotta of love for the arts
Most candidates presented their own creative credentials, or that of their family and or their ancestors. They loved it, did it or appreciated it. They thought it was part of the municipal DNA.
There were some recurring themes in the candidate pitches. It was agreed that the arts are still struggling after the setbacks of COVID. It was agreed that money is tight and funding insecure. Most suggested the local creative climate was struggling under the weight of higher living expenses and a lack of affordable rehearsal spaces. Some said Port Phillip needed to try harder to stem the creative drift to the dreaded Northside.
Longer term funding got a big tick, so did support for creative hubs and innovation. It was acknowledged that there was too much paperwork involved in grants.
But who should get the love?
However, there was no shortage of strategic differences in the room. Is the arts about money and business? Are we talking about music, theatre, visual arts, film, gaming, big institutions, entry level and community? What role or roles can council play or not play?
And of course the vexing question of funding was the proverbial elephant in the room.
Candidate feedback
Rather than report on what was said at the forum, we invited all the candidates who were there to give us a short comment about what they heard at the forum.
Here are their responses (as provided by deadline and in the order received).
“The Arts are crucial for developing and maintaining our sense of community, but support has languished in recent Port Phillip Councils. To rejuvenate the arts in Port Phillip we need to elect a strong, progressive Council in October. The candidates present were very supportive of the arts, and there were many good ideas generated during the Forum that could have a real and positive impact if implemented.”
Richard Whitfield, Greens Candidate for Port Melbourne Ward
“Clearly all candidates want to see the arts thrive in Port Phillip, but very few have any idea what to do about it. I was especially concerned at the candidates who are proposing to freeze rates while also providing more funding to the arts. How will they fund it?”
Tim Baxter, Greens Candidate for St Kilda Ward
“The arts enable us to thrive and make us fully human. They also make an important economic contribution to Port Phillip. Given this importance, my 10-year vision in South Melbourne is to see a vibrant arts precinct centred around a refurbished Town Hall that serves the community well.”
Earl James, Greens Candidate for South Melbourne Ward
“I believe Council needs the two PP’s – to prioritise the arts once more and to focus on people not just buildings.”
Louise Crawford, ALP for Elwood Ward
“There was a lot of love in the room for the arts. Listening to everyone, Council would need a big increase in its arts budget. I am the only who offered a concrete solution by setting up a dedicated Port Phillip Cultural Foundation. People will give money to the Foundation to grow the amount of $ that is available for artists and arts organisations through a grants program. And I am suggesting that Rachel Griffiths becomes the inaugural chair.”
Serge Thomann, Independent PEPP Candidate for St Kilda Ward
“Congratulations to COPPAC for organising the candidates’ arts forum. Above all, the next Council must find more creative ways to support our arts community to flourish. That means listening to what they actually need in order to thrive – whether operational support, project funding or one-off funds in tough times.”
Rhonda Small, Progressive Community Candidate for Albert Park
“As I sat with a community deeply passionate about the arts, it became evident how integral they are to our identity and future. The overwhelming support I witnessed strengthened my commitment to advocate for a vibrant, sustainable arts scene in Port Phillip, one that will inspire and flourish for years to come.”
Jenni Roper, Independent for St Kilda
“It was clear that those present at this important community-led event are the safe hands the arts need on Port Phillip Council, united in their commitment to increasing funding, providing accessible spaces, and removing bureaucratic obstacles for artists.”
Barney Moore, ALP for Lakeside
“The forum reinforced my view that Port Phillip Council has been too complacent for too long. We risk areas like Fishermans Bend becoming sterile localities unless we regain leadership in the arts. The expiry of Council’s Arts Strategy means the next term of Council is crucial to fixing this.”
Alex Makin, Independent for Montague
“The Arts provide many benefits to us all and are a crucial sector to aid in the economic recovery of City of Port Philiip. We need to inspire this sector by making events affordable and providing support to Artists through grants. It is imperative that elected Councillors work together to ensure continuation of existing strategies and opportunities.”
Jo McDonald, Independent for Lakeside
“The Arts is Port Phillip. Loving the Arts isn’t enough. We need new solutions, new policies and new thinking. We need three year funding cycles, shared service models for venues, Artist entrepreneurship initiatives, economic development strategies and to call upon the State Government for insurance, payroll and liquor licensing reviews.”
Lauren Sherson, Independent for Albert Park Ward
https://laurensherson.com.au/arts
“Thank you to COPPAC for organising this great forum. It is clear from the energy in the room that there is broad recognition of, and support for how fundamental art and culture is to the soul of Port Phillip. Going forward we will need an accountable, holistic and consultative strategy to support the creative ecology locally.”
Rachel Iampolski, Greens for Balaclava
“It is critical that we protect our local arts & theatre. I’ve been a busker, solo gigger, band member and an open mic junkie – I understand the importance of financially enabling CoPP to ensure venues and artists are able to flourish, create and showcase their talent and creativity.”
Jill Horman, Labor for Alma Ward
I worked in the creative industries for over 20 years, so I understand the importance of funding to support and kickstart arts careers. Port Phillip’s discretionary arts funding is under $500,000, just 1 in 500 dollars that Council spends. I’ll work to increase this budget to support our arts community.
Justin Halliday, Independent for Alma
