Artists of all kinds are urged to be part of a study set to give a voice to the creative workforce and boost the vitality of Perth.
In an Australian-first, Perth will join Vancouver and Glasgow in an international study by university researchers hoping to create more vibrant cities.
Project leader, Dr Dawn Bennett from Curtin University, said the study was looking for 1,000 artists to complete a survey about them and their work.
“The study will explore the role of culture and the arts in attracting and retaining ‘creatives’, and in Perth in particular,” Dr Bennett said. “Perth might seem worlds apart from Vancouver and Glasgow but these cities actually have much in common, including being on ‘The Western Edge’ and suffering the effects of geographic isolation.
“The creative industry sector plays an important role in our communities and has strong links and benefits to many other areas including health, education and even information technology.
“Being an artist is really about how you define yourself. To be part of this survey an artist could be a painter, musician, sculptor, writer, poet, photographer, illustrator, film maker, street performer, body artist, light and sound designers, dancer, actor, designer, comedian – in fact anyone working in the creative sector or undertaking creative roles in other sectors such as health.
“With this survey we’ll learn more about the role of artists and how they work, so we can boost the visibility of creativity in Perth, inform funding and skills development, and build a more sustainable creative workforce.”
Committee for Perth provided funding for the survey and Chief Executive Officer, Marion Fulker said the project would highlight the importance of building creative capital for Perth’s economic and social wellbeing.
“The cities that became internationally renowned – bringing with it many economic advantages – are cities that have a vibrant culture, a thriving arts industry and a creative workforce,” Mrs Fulker said. “Too often artists make their start in Perth then move to another city once their career takes off. We must attract and retain our talent, by defining a Perth which is more appealing to the arts industry, and ensure our governance, funding and education systems promote a healthy arts sector. The survey and resulting book will make an important contribution to policy, urban planning, and arts education that will underpin Perth as a vibrant community.”
The survey can be completed online at http://research.humanities.curtin.edu.au/creativeworkforce or you can request a hard copy via email. Also find it on Facebook at Creative Workforce WA.
Help Creative Workforce WA raise awareness of arts & arts practices in WA.