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Asia & the Arts
Policies and Possibilities for the Future

Summary

Four speakers outlined the issues. Delegates discussed these issues in three breakout sessions, then reported to the group. These are the main outcomes.

Issues: Network - Time - Complexity
Strategies: Information - Presence - Collaboration - Proactivity
Plenary Summary

The Issues:

1. The network

• Identify the network ·
• Identify the gaps - what needs development ·
• Reach out - be proactive

There is a need to establish permanent long term cultural networks in the region and to maintain the health of this network. This is based on current networks, which can be identified and acknowledged - including personal networks of Asian artists in Australia - and research into potential new links. A phrase used was 'research and roadmaps'. This needs proactivity and resources, and it applies to information between Asian countries and Australia, between Asian countries and within them. Arts management knowledge in many countries of the region needs more support than it currently receives. The point was made that artists themselves often have a very clear sense of their individual futures, and the issues are more relevant to policy and strategic agendas.

2. Time

• build on successes ·
• on-going and long term partnerships ·
• use existing networks, research

It is important to sustain ongoing relationships, to build in long-term funding and also to fund people and organizations who are committed. There needs to be a consistency of funding.

3. Complexity

• different issues for individuals and organizations ·
• need to be aware of complex and various agendas ·
• understanding and use multiple formats for information/networking - face to face, websites, radio,etc. ·
• different needs for different regions and different arts practices

The region is complex. Language and cultural barriers exist. It is important to build a local sensibility that acknowledges Asia and the different context in which contemporary art in Asia is made.

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Strategies:

1. Invest in information

It is important to co-ordinate information, to invest in local agencies that develop networks and to be aware of literal and conceptual translation issues. The role of short term exchanges and residencies was acknowledged in this.

2. Long term physical presence

The suggestion was made to pilot locally-based international development staff/centers, creating a long-term physical cultural presence. Linked with this was building in long-term funding, acknowledging committed organizations and individuals. The point was made that such centers in Asian countries should be at arms length from embassies/high commissions for both organizational and financial reasons. The relationship of Asialink and the Australia Council was acknowledged.

3. Collaboration and Partnerships

It is important to identify, acknowledge and support the complexity of personal networks.

4. Proactivity

The important of Australia being proactive was clear. Activities are occurring the region that do not naturally include Australia. In light of this Australia must be more active and indeed proactive in regional arts activities.

An important recommendation was initiating a regional and regular Regional Cultural Conference. It would be held in Australia and be cross-art form in focus.

Part of this process was maintaining an advocacy to raise local (Australian) interest and awareness in Asia, including recognizing the context in which contemporary Asian art is made and building a local sensibility which acknowledges Asia. This needs continuous work to change perceptions and media focus. It includes talking to politicians and other leaders.

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Plenary Summary

1. "Research, road maps, resources, reaching out" to Asia.
2. The need to establish permanent long-term cultural networks with the region; and the importance of maintaining the health of that network.
3. Collaboration and partnerships: acknowledge personal networks, as well as others such as those of educational bodies.
4. Understand the importance of reciprocity, though there are issues of how to fund this.
5. Information and research (nb issues of translation).
6. Australia as a locus or initiator of Regional Cultural conferences (cross art form).
7. The importance of context: the need to build and sustain awareness of different sensibilities.
8. Acknowledge the good work being done.
9. Acknowledge the importance of building slowly but surely, in comparison with 'one-offs' or the 'big bang'.

For further information, please contact:

Alison Carroll
Director, Arts Program
Email: a.carroll@asialink.unimelb.edu.au
Phone: 61-3-8344 4800
Fax: 61-3- 9347 176