Opinions & Analysis

Red tape driving the Aboriginal art market offshore
Australia's protectionist law is pushing trade in culturally significant Aboriginal Art overseas and weakening the local market.

Small-to-mediums struggle to survive Brandis raid
The loss of $104.8 million from the Australia Council threatens many small arts companies with extinction.

Arts Funding: Why It's Unwise to Cut Off Your Arm
Principles of arms-length funding are being sacrificed to a 'trickle down' approach the Federal Government would not countenance in other…

A budget without a policy is directionless
Two entirely separate funding entities disbursing the same combined pot cannot be adding to ‘efficiencies’ so what is the Government…

Budget 2015: What the AusCo cuts mean for you
The principles of independent arts funding are under threat as the Budget foreshadows the greatest shake up since the Australia…

Is it time for Madama Butterfly to flutter by?
There is a spectre haunting Opera Australia: the spectre of growing irrelevance.

Cripping up is the new black face
We no longer cast white actors in black face but we don't train disabled actors to ensure a fifth of…

A first-timer's guide to the opera
A first night at the opera turns out to be filled with surprises - not all of them on stage.

In praise of profit
Our major performing arts companies are clinging to an outdated not-for-profit model while commercial theatre makes the money they need.

Is the British Museum reviving our reputation, or conflating it?
This week Enduring Civilisation opened in London to mixed reviews – were they warranted of the exhibition or is this…