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In country Western Australia, the arts are often seen as second-class citizens in the economic sphere. Unlike the primary industries of mining or agriculture, which are top priorities in policy discussions and funding allocation, the arts are typically viewed as peripheral, nice-to-have assets. Yet, with the right support and conditions, arts and culture could play a transformative role as a leading economic driver for many regional communities.
Arts Funding: An Uphill Battle
It’s no secret that funding for the arts is hard to secure. While there are government initiatives—like the Regional Arts WA (RAWA) grant programs, which play a critical role in supporting WA’s regional arts sector—arts funding is notoriously competitive. Arts often find themselves at the bottom of funding lists, deprioritised in favour of more traditional economic pillars. The irony is that in many areas of regional WA that lack robust mining or agricultural industries, the arts could be a vital alternative, providing economic diversification and growth opportunities.
The Case for Arts as a Core Economic Driver
In places where other industries don’t take the lead, arts and culture offer a sustainable, community-driven path to economic resilience. If we stop relegating arts to a secondary status and instead provide the necessary funding, infrastructure, and policies, we could create thriving local economies centered around creativity. Policies that support arts investment, business development for artists, and the creation of spaces for arts practice could lay the foundation for regions to leverage arts as a primary economic force.
Diversification Is Essential for Economic Resilience
Communities that rely solely on a single industry risk economic instability. In a time when diversification is essential, why not support arts and culture as a viable economic pillar? The arts create jobs, stimulate tourism, and bring in revenue, while also fostering a vibrant, appealing community culture that attracts visitors and new residents alike. Studies show that cultural and creative activities contribute significantly to Australia’s economy. Did you know that cultural and creative industries added $122.3 billion to the Australian economy in FY19/20? (DITRDCA)
Creating a Policy Shift
For arts to take its place as a legitimate economic driver, a shift in policy and funding priorities is essential. Investing in the arts isn’t just about supporting artists; it’s about creating a diversified, sustainable economic future for regions with limited traditional primary industries. It’s time to recognise the arts not as an economic afterthought but as a viable path to prosperity, particularly in areas of WA that need diverse economic opportunities.
A Vision for the Future
The arts have the potential to be much more than a cultural enrichment—they can be a keystone of economic stability and growth in country WA. By committing to greater funding and supporting policies that position the arts as essential economic infrastructure, we can foster regions where creativity and commerce work hand in hand, contributing to vibrant, resilient communities.
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