Members Only - February Advocacy Bulletin
Dear Members,
Below please find some resources, information and updates about TNA's advocacy, and how you can help as we head to a federal election in May.
Please let us know if this is useful and if you need other support! In particular, TNA's General Manager Josh Lowe can work with you on meeting with your local MP, or helping you to add your photos and messages to our Art and Culture are ESSENTIAL and Art and Culture are EVERYWHERE campaign images (see below).
Regards,
Nicole, Josh and team.
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What is the future of COVID-19? What does the Science say?
ABC's CoronaCast featured a paper illustrating four possible courses of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (on the UK) by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies. You can download the 2-page paper here. It has a handy table on page 2. The Reasonable Best case has "In the next 12-18 months: Relatively small resurgence in Autumn/Winter 2022/23 with low levels of severe disease". The Reasonable Worst case has "very large wave of infections with increased levels of severe disease ... although the most severe health outcomes ... among those with no prior immunity." They note that "Protective behaviours are also expected to continue to play an important role in reducing transmission but cannot be reliably predicted for future waves".
Federal Advocacy Campaign
We expect the Government to call the Federal election for May 2022, and we need your help to ensure that arts and culture stays on the agenda. TNA is supporting members in marginal electorates to make contact with their MPs and candidates to have a conversation about the cultural assets in their electorate, highlight the important role arts and culture has (particularly in the new COVID environment), and seek a commitment from all parties to develop a National Cultural Plan.
TNA has put together some key information to get you started including a history and overview of the idea of a National Cultural Plan to date, a toolkit of resources, and an outline of the steps you can take to get involved. We are also working on some 'Quick Facts' to get you started.
We also have a similar campaign specifically for the performance with/for/by young people sector.
Art & Culture Messaging Campaign – ESSENTIAL and EVERYWHERE – add your own!
TNA is a part of an effort with fifteen other national arts peak bodies to create a sector wide message that drives awareness and influence in the lead up to the Federal election.
We invite everyone to join the campaign and share the messages. On the campaign page you will find information about the messages and their objectives, and you can download images and templates to share on your socials. TNA will be sharing these on our social media over the next weeks.
Dr Sarah Austin and Co's 'An Uncertain Time'. Photo Ilona Nelson.
TNA’s Pre-budget submission and Support for the Australia Council
TNA recently submitted a list of recommendations to the federal government’s pre-budget submission process. Download our full submission here.
In a subsequent statement, we have emphasised that TNA supports the Australia Council as a key part of the wider arts and cultural infrastructure of our country with a robust history and that it can play a crucial role in a cross portfolio, three-levels of government approach developed through a National Cultural Plan. Read our statement here.
TNA’s pre-budget submission recommendations as provided to Treasury:
An additional $130 million per year for four years to the Australia Council, specifically to support strategic priorities that drive economic, cultural and social recovery from COVID-19.
An investment in a First Nations Self Determined Performing Arts fund: $20m p/a investment through the Australia Council for the Arts (included in the Australia Council additional appropriation).
An investment in Australia’s youth arts and arts for young audiences sector through a Young People and Culture Plan, providing an effective, affordable opportunity to address pressing cross portfolio issues - $15mil per year (included in the Australia Council additional appropriation).
A targeted wage subsidy for workers in the performing arts who continue to be impacted by COVID-19, recognising that the performing arts continues to be one of the hardest hit sectors.
The establishment, in partnership with states and territories, of a $130m-$200m Live Entertainment and Events Insurance Scheme to increase industry confidence to reactivate live performances and events.
An arts and cultural Digital Strategy for urgently needed digital capacity in the arts and culture sector.
A Regional Strategic Framework that supports investment and innovation of $20m - for new funding programs and an extension to the Regional Arts Fund.
TNA will continue to run our Champions of Arts and Culture Meet-ups for anyone who is interested in being part of the advocacy work. There are four Meet-ups remaining. More info here.