Creative arts
Individual artists can be seen as primary sources of
creative ideas and interpreters of traditional knowledge. As
such, they are an indispensable element as the very first stage
in the value chain for most, if not all, creative products. Yet
as sole traders or as workers on casual hire or short-term
contracts, they frequently lack the industrial power or business
acumen to make a reasonable living and to receive an
equitable reward for their work. Areas of government assistance
that are appropriate here include:
■ grants to support the creative activities of artists, provided
on a project basis (for individuals or groups) or as continuing
support funding;
■ assistance for education, training and skills development;
■ support for artists’ organizations that can act as
spokespersons, advocates and negotiators on behalf of
members; andcopyright regulation to ensure proper remuneration for
the creation of artistic works in various art forms (see
further below).