We have reached the end of another challenging, indeed, exhausting year for so many of our artists, performers and workers in our cultural and creative industries.
Safe to assume that around this time last year, we were hopeful the worst of the pandemic was behind us and that 2021 would be a year of recovery and rebuilding. That has been true to an extent, but further lockdowns in the ACT, New South Wales and Victoria as well as ongoing restrictions on activity and travel across the country have again tested our resolve.
High rates of vaccination are now enabling us to open up and reconnect again, although the arrival of the Omicron variant is a reminder the pandemic is not over by any means.
Our artists, performers and creative workers have been profoundly affected by the pandemic, from the very first days of public health restrictions being imposed in March 2020. There has been enormous trauma and disruption. Here at the Australia Council we have done our best throughout this period to continue to provide artists and organisations with the support they need to create and share their works.
Notwithstanding the upheaval and difficulty over the past couple of years, Australian creatives have also shown tremendous resilience, which gives me cause for optimism as we approach a new year. Shows are back, gigs are happening, festivals are on the calendar, and galleries and exhibitions are open again. Our artists and creators are connecting again with their audiences – engaging, inspiring, and entertaining! That is something to celebrate!
Arts and creativity has sustained many of us during the darkest moments of the pandemic, and holds enormous promise for Australia’s future. Here at the Australia Council we look forward to this opportunity, and will continue our efforts in the New Year to champion and invest in creativity for the benefit of all Australians.
I hope all our readers enjoy a peaceful and restful holiday break, and we look forward to collaborating with you again in 2022.
Adrian Collette AM
Chief Executive Officer
Australia Council for the Arts
Learn more about Adrian Collette AM.
