Journal article

Digital arts and culture in Australia: Promissory discourses and uncertain realities in pandemic times

Indigo Holcombe-James, Jacinthe Flore, Natalie Ann Hendry

Media International Australia | SAGE Publications | Published : 2024

Abstract

This article critically interrogates the promissory discourse underpinning the cultural sectors’ ‘digital pivot’ in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021; namely, that artistic and creative work could be done lucratively online, offer equal opportunities for all, and assure ongoing audience consumption. Drawing on empirical data from two research projects with arts and culture workers in Australia during COVID-19 restrictions, we investigate the intersection of this promissory discourse with individual and institutional practices of digital disengagement. We contend that, rather than a panacea to lost work and income and the assurance of continued cultural consumption, digital d..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Grants

Awarded by Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society


Funding Acknowledgements

The author(s) disclosed receipt of the followingfinancial support for the research, authorship, and/or publica-tion of this article: This work was supported by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence forAutomated Decision-Making and Society (grant number CE200100005), RMIT University's EnablingCapability Platform for Design and Creative Practice, RMIT University's Enabling Capability Platform forSocial Change, RMIT University's Vice Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellowship.