FORewORd For over 20 years Asialink has been at the forefront of leadership, research, advocacy and program delivery in Australia-Asia engagement. In order to embrace the exciting possibilities of the rapidly developing region, Asialink has identified the need for Australia to develop deeper and more sustainable of engagement, and enhance the Asia-capability of people and organisations across all sectors. To do this effectively requires good quality information and data. This is available for many industries, but lacking in the cultural sector. To redress this ‘data deficit,’ Asialink Arts, with the support of Arts Victoria, developed The Victoria-Asia Cultural Engagement Research Report. The objective was to gather data, evidence of best practice strategies and identify the needs of key stakeholders, artists and arts organisations. The wealth of resulting information may be used to guide the development of policies and strategies to further develop Asia engagement and capability over the next five years. This summary contains key findings, recommendations, and proposed actions and initiatives arising from the research. A PDF of the full report can be accessed at asialink.unimelb.edu.au/art/artsresearchreport_vic The research reveals the extensive diversity, depth and richness of the cultural relationships that have evolved and are ongoing between Victorian artists and organisations and various Asian countries. This is a testament to the curiosity, energy and entrepreneurship of Victorian artists, curators, producers and arts organisations. It is also indicative of how much has already been achieved, particularly over the last five years. One of the key recommendations arising from the research is the need for high level leadership to advocate the value of cultural exchange between Australia and Asia, and its contribution to innovation and nurturing positive social, economic and cultural relationships. It is hoped that this challenge will be embraced by senior political, government, business and community leaders in order to encourage investment in Asia-Australia cultural exchange and build the of the Australian cultural sector. In particular there are opportunities for both the philanthropic and corporate sectors to contribute to this important project. Both Asialink Arts and Arts Victoria welcome feedback and widespread discussion about the data and recommendations of The Victoria-Asia Cultural Engagement Research Report. We are grateful to the many artists, arts managers and organisations across government, not-for-profit and commercial arts sectors who have contributed their valuable time to this project. They have been enthusiastic pioneers in international engagement and continue to contribute to the extraordinary flourishing of cultural relationships and exchanges with Asia. Mr Sid Myer AM Chairman Asialink Lesley Alway Director Asialink Arts capability
eNGAGeMeNt At A GLANCe It is broadly acknowledged that cultural engagement is a crucial pathway for developing and deepening Australia’s relationship with Asia. The Victoria-Asia Cultural Engagement Research Report was developed to better understand the quantity and quality of Asian engagement of the Victorian cultural sector, and to suggest initiatives and strategies based on these findings. The research model comprised: • A quantitative and qualitative survey sent to 245 Victorian arts organisations. Eighty-six organisations responded, equating a 35 per cent rate of return. • Four roundtable discussions divided into government, non-profit, commercial and individual practitioners. Thirty-six participants representing a range of art forms, organisations, activities and industry levels took part. • A review of existing data collected by organisations and funding bodies. • A review and analysis of existing Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data on in cultural goods and services. Where possible, the relevant data period was the past five years and projecting forward to the next five years (2013-2017). Wedhus Gembel, created by Snuff Puppets and Indonesian Artists. Image courtesy of Snuff Puppets “From a broader point of view we need to think ‘what does Asia want?’ what are the things that we are sending to Asia that they are going to be interested in?… Let’s find out the work that resonates and really support that rather than taking a blanket approach.” Roundtable participant, 2013