As Australia celebrates 100 years of nationhood, it is the right time to celebrate our culture - for its diversity, continuity and individualism. The word covers not just the arts in all their forms, but the very basis of how we think, how we react, how we are educated, tantalised, amused and provoked into being the people we are and how we relate to the rest of the world. A streak of independence has been indisputably part of our cultural spirit since well before Federation. This does not mean we are culturally isolated, but, rather, culturally different - genuine achievers more than replicants.
All culture is, by definition and intent, international.
Opera looked to repertory-Europe for production standards, with shaky sets and pallid lighting. These days, such enterprises would be booed off the stage. Our history and traditions also come alive through the novels of Patrick White and Peter Carey and through the poetry of Judith Wright and Peter Porter. Yes, we have come far in 100 years. Look at the popularity of festivals, which did not exist at Federation but which are being used, this time around, to commemorate it.