Paradoxes and contradictions in government approaches to contemporary cultural policy: an Australian perspective1

Abstract

Abstract: Globalisation poses interesting challenges but does not undermine the ability of government to make decisions about cultural policy at a state, national or regional level. On the contrary, government has never been so active in cultural matters, adding support for lifestyle and cultural infrastructure to existing concerns with traditional arts forms. The dilemma for government, rather, is to find a rationale for an increasingly fragmented approach to state intervention on cultural matters. The model provided by contemporary economic policy, which favours industry development over individual projects, has some salience, and has encouraged a new emphasis on cultural industries. But t..