There is nothing more powerful than the songs that move our bodies, the writing that ignites our minds, the artworks that heighten our perceptions. Art compels us to respond with deep emotion, to connect with one another, to ask new questions…

Governments with confidence in the public merit of their policies welcome the most critical and creative voices. They champion public education, foster a culture of advocacy for the public good, and invest in arts and culture, creating the conditions where artists thrive and audiences are inspired. 

Conversely, governments who lack confidence in public support for their values fear the work of our most critical and creative people. They take active steps to diminish public debate and creative expression, gut public schools and universities and criminalise public advocacy…

>>> Read on in The Saturday Paper