Articles - 24 September 2008
The arts and innovation
It is the inherent attraction to innovation by creatives in the craft·design area that has seen Craft Australia focus considerable energy in a submission to the Government's review of the national innovation system. Craft Australia on behalf of the network of Australian Craft and Design Centres, ACDC, submitted a response that outlined the range of innovative practices that the sector is involved in.
Review of the National Innovation System Submission 
The government received over 600 responses to its review which was chaired by Dr Terry Cutler. With a panel of industry experts these submissions were condensed into a report titled Venturous Australia, building strength in innovation, which was released in September and makes 73 recommendations. This green paper report is under consideration by the government before it becomes adopted as the innovation white paper for policy and budget development. Venturous Australia
Dr Cutler gave a stirring presentation at the Opera House as part of the Currency House series of talks prior to the release of the green paper in his speech Creativity, the Arts and Innovation. Speech
Dr Cutler makes a strong and dynamic case for the role of the arts in the innovation agenda. He argues that 'the imagination in the innovation process helps us to envision alternative futures.' His presentation is a compelling read and defines a solid position for the arts in respect to the green paper on innovation.
Venturous Australia argues strongly for the role of innovation in solving current issues that face our population and has a predominant focus on industry and the application of innovative practices. The role of the creative industries in this dialogue is vital for envisioning alternative futures. To quote Dr Cutler again, 'the arts provide "windows into realities under construction". At Craft Australia we believe that the creative industries, particulalalry craft.design practice have a clear role to play in driving new thinking for the future solutions of this country.
The future role of craft·design practice and its connection to industry was an area of focus for the ACDC network that had their biannual meeting in Canberra at the end of September. Key meetings were held with Dr John Howard, Director Innovation and Engagement Canberra University, and author of Between a Hard Rock and Soft Space; Christopher Nedin, Assistant Manager, Review and Panel Policy, National Innovation System Review Secretariat; and Paul McInnes, Assistant Secretary, Arts Policy and Access, Department of Water Heritage and the Arts. Other representatives attending the meeting were Laura McLeod and Tara Kita from the Australia Council for the Arts and Tamara Winikoff, Executive Director, NAVA.
Design, innovation and science appear to be key topics within Federal government policy. The implication for funding to craft·design as a result of this focus is yet to be determined. In light of this the ACDC group is currently considering a number of national policy goals that align sector activities with government areas of focus.
Catrina Vignando
October 2008
