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Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2016-07-06 Daily Xml
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Arts Funding

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:49): In recent weeks, both Treasurer Koutsantonis and minister Snelling have announced funding and commitment to various arts projects. This further endorses Adelaide as a UNESCO City of Music, becoming part of the broader Creative Cities Network in December 2015. The network was established in 2004 in an effort to promote cooperation with and between cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.

The arts and creativity are increasingly becoming part of the core of our city. Daniel Cribb from TheMusic.com.au recently stated:

It wasn't that there was a lack of talent in Adelaide, rather that the right creative industry support systems weren't in place. In the past, artists and industry folk would jump ship to Melbourne or Sydney in an effort to thrive, to escape the stigma associated with the state.

Things are changing in Adelaide. Over the past few years, there have been notable shifts in the musical, cultural and entrepreneurial elements in the city. Changes in regulatory framework have resulted in more artistic development and recognition.

The Elbourne report saw the establishment of St Paul's Creative Centre and the Music Development Office, which focuses equally on artists and industry development. I acknowledge minister Snelling, minister Maher and the Premier for their active support in these exciting ventures. The 2014 figures show that there were approximately 331 live music venues operating in South Australia. Total employment for making live music in South Australia was estimated at 4,100 jobs, which is around 6.3 per cent of the national figure. South Australian ticket sales for music events totalled $59.7 million, equating to 6 per cent of the national spend, and it is estimated that live music contributed $263.7 million to South Australia's economy. Today we heard from minister Snelling regarding the economic impact of the Adelaide Fringe.

Efforts have been made to reduce red tape, which has been a hindrance to the live music and entertainment industry in South Australia. The variation to the National Construction Code, allowing class 6 buildings to host live music, has reduced the start-up costs for new venues. The improvements to licensing regulations have relinquished the need to obtain entertainment consent provisions in order to host live music between 11am and midnight. I acknowledge minister Rau for these and further reviews being undertaken.

I also commend the leadership of the Premier, Jay Weatherill. Both the Premier and minister Snelling have been pilots behind much of the policy development and its application, recognising the value of music not only for the economic and employment benefits that they bring but also for the vibrancy that they are to the state and its capital. The recent announcements for the South Australian government to return funding to parts of the arts budget illustrate that the arts are significant enough to be an economic driver for South Australia. The Treasurer announced the news that the state government 'will spend $15.7 million over four years to continue to invest in South Australia's cultural capital'.

Projects set to take place include the $15 million laneway (Central Market to Adelaide Oval), and $35 million for the upgrade of Her Majesty's Theatre from a 970 to an approximately 1,540 seating capacity, and a new foyer to be built on adjoining land. The project is set to create up to 220 jobs for construction, plus additional employment gains in the arts following the upgrade. The extra seating capacity projects to attract around 50 extra performances per annum. Adelaide Festival Centre Chief Executive Douglas Gautier spoke on 891 ABC saying, 'We want to bring all of this work to Adelaide that we weren't able to bring before.' I also quote Lord Mayor Martin Haese:

This investment has the potential to realise up to $70 million in economic activity and use local procurement to create new jobs.

Minister Snelling revealed Adelaide as the 2017 host of ShowBroker, a national performing arts touring market, bringing together performing artists, producers and presenters to meet colleagues and make connections and create opportunities.

With all of this activity Adelaide shall no longer be seen just as the Festival state, with features such as The Fringe, WOMAD, Adelaide Cabaret, etc., but the state will also own our UNESCO title of being the Creative Cities Network music city. The recognition from UNESCO is not solely about music as sustainable development. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network focuses on seven creative fields: music; craft and folk arts; media arts; design; literature; film; and, gastronomy.

Adelaide's food and wine regions and our film festival, Writers' Week, visual arts design and media were all included in our submission, and part of the task of the designation is to develop connections and collaborations with other creative fields. Collaboration between government, education, creative and private sectors are pivotal in developing the local music industry. I call on all to appreciate the recognition our state has gained from UNESCO, and remind all that this sector must be supported to yield the social and economic benefits of a vibrant city of music.

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