University Museum Director helps shape NSW Cultural Policy
Michael Dagostino at the launch of A New Look At Culture, a discussion paper on growing NSW's Arts and Cultural sector.
"This opportunity to contribute to the development of a comprehensive arts policy for NSW is both personally fulfilling and a chance to make a lasting impact on the cultural economy, promoting growth, inclusivity, and the recognition of practitioners across the state," said Mr Dagostino who is responsible for the University’s Chau Chak Wing Museum and Seymour Centre, and other cultural outreach activities.
“As Director of Museums and Cultural Engagement at the University, my role in fostering community involvement in our diverse cultural life will greatly inform my insights and recommendations.”
The Ministerial Advisory Panel (MAP) will provide expert advice, drawing on Revive, the federal government’s cultural policy launched in February, to amplify the reach and impact of government policies for the benefit of the sector.
NSW Minister for the Arts, the Hon. John Graham said, “It’s time to bring our arts and creative industries together with one policy. Australia’s cultural and creative activity contributes $122.3 billion to Australia’s economy. In Greater Sydney the creative industries account for nine percent of the workforce.”
“This consultation is an opportunity to participate in the discovery of a new culture for this state, identify specific issues, share lived experiences and offer novel solutions to bring the cultural economy to life.”
Australia’s cultural and creative activity contributes $122.3 billion to Australia’s economy.
The Minister has released a discussion paper, A New Look At Culture, which focuses on how to grow the arts and cultural sector. It will consider the place of practitioners, infrastructure and audiences as key considerations and an extensive consultation process will take place across the state.
The Ministerial Advisory Panel is responsible for input and guidance in relation to the consultation program and process, and the development of the policy. It will be chaired by Sydney Opera House Chair Louise Herron, AM and members in addition to Mr Dagostino are:
• Darren Dale - Co-Director of Blackfella Films
• Kerri Glasscock - Sydney Fringe Festival Director
• Emeritus Professor Ross Harley - UNSW Art & Design.
Mr Dagostino was previously Director at Campbelltown Arts Centre where he commissioned and curated contemporary exhibitions and projects while expanding its artist-led programs to engage with different communities.
He began his career with fellow artist Michael Lindeman at Michael and Michael Visual Art Project Management and was the inaugural Director of the Parramatta Artists’ Studios.
He is currently a board member of Sydney Writers' Festival and has been the chair of Artspace, on the boards of Accessible Arts, FBi Radio and has had leadership positions on the NSW State Government Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee, Western Sydney Arts Alliance and Sydney Cultural Network.
Submissions to the NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Policy can be made online and are open until 31 August 2023. To read the discussion paper, attend a town hall or online meeting and submit feedback, please visit Shaping policy for the arts and cultural sector | Have your say NSW.
Hero image caption: Members of the steering committe appointed to advise on NSW's Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Policy. From left: Maud Page, Ross Harley, Sara Mansour, Louise Herron, John Graham, Julia Finn, Kerri Glasscock, Michael Dagostino, Annette Pitman, Zareh Nalbandian.