Deborah Stevenson appointed to NSW Arts and Cultural Policy Reference Group

ICS member Professor Deborah Stevenson is a member of the newly-formed NSW Arts and Cultural Policy Reference Group. The five-member reference group has been appointed by Arts Minister George Souris to advise on the NSW government’s new Arts and Cultural Policy, which will outline a 10-year vision for the arts sector.

‘The arts and cultural policy will be developed alongside a review of the Arts Funding Program to ensure that we have an effective, sustainable funding model to support artists and cultural organisations across the state’, Mr Souris explained.

The reference group will guide development of the policy through a discussion paper which will be publicly-released next month. The group and the State’s cultural institutions will also provide specialist advice on the draft policy before it is finalised.

Professor Stevenson joins the following four people as members of the group:

  • Chris Freeland, Chairman Sydney Film Festival, National Managing Partner, Baker & McKenzie
  • Scott Howie, Eastern Riverina Arts
  • Lisa Havilah, CEO, Carriageworks
  • Ben Quilty, artist, Trustee, AGNSW, 2011 Archibald Prize winner.

Professor Stevenson has worked as an advisor and consultant to all levels of government. She is both Professor of Sociology and Urban Cultural Research at the Institute for Culture and Society, and Associate Pro Vice Chancellor Research for the University of Western Sydney. Her research activities and interests are focused in particular on arts and cultural policy, cities and urban life, and place and identity.

Further information on the new cultural policy is available on the links below:

23 April 2013