The Uses of Art: Constructing Australian Identities

by Lisanne Gibson

Overview

The first overview of Australia's public arts - buildings, sculptures and installations for the community - from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day. It explores how the government has institutionalised and subsidised the arts for public use, and illustrates historically government's rationale in bringing culture to the public, particularly to those perceived as 'the culturally impoverished'.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780702232046
Publisher:	University of Queensland Press
Publication date:	07/01/2001
Series:	UQP Cultural and Media Policy Series
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.50(d)

Table of Contents

	Acknowledgments	vii
1	Governing Art and Identity	1
	Introduction	1
	Governing Art and Identity	6
	Constructing Australian Identity	8
2	Mechanics, Gold and the Uses of Art	11
	Introduction	11
	Art and the 'Meckanick Classes'	14
	Mechanics' Institutes in Australia	18
	Mechanics, Culture and Civilisation: The Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts	22
	Gold, Culture and Civilisation: The National Gallery of Victoria	27
	Conclusion	33
3	Art and National Identity	36
	Introduction	36
	The National Art Gallery of New South Wales	38
	Delayed Development or Cultural Development?	44
	Conclusion	48
4	A 'New Deal' for Art: War and Reconstruction	49
	Introduction	49
	Reconstruction	50
	Culture and the Army	56
	Culture and Reconstruction	59
	Council for the Encouragement of Music and the Arts	63
	State Art Galleries: Victoria and New South Wales	68
	Conclusion	72
5	The Arts as Industry	74
	Introduction	74
	The Australia Council	76
	The Industries Assistance Commission Report	78
	Measuring the Audience	80
	The Arts Industry	84
	'Marketing the Arts'	89
	Conclusion	94
6	Cultural Rights	96
	Introduction	96
	The Australia Council: Foundational Principles	98
	'National Excellence' versus Access and Participation	101
	Community Arts	104
	Access to Diversity	107
	Cultural Rights	112
	Conclusion	116
7	Cultural Development, Cultural Industries and Youth	118
	Introduction	118
	Cultural Development	120
	Cultural Participation and Youth	123
	Cultural Production and Youth	127
	What Government Can Learn From Rock and Roll: The Livid Festival	132
	Conclusion	135
	Notes	138
	Select Bibliography	150
	Index	166