Professor Julianne Schultz on ‘Cultural Institutions and Ideas of Australia in the Age of Fang’

In the Age of Fang (Facebook/Amazon/Netflix/Google), the cultural industries have never been more important or filled with greater potential. Even for a wealthy, well- educated, English-speaking country, however, to be heard internationally means rethinking the purpose and capacity of our cultural institutions. Many of these—including the Australia Council, National Library, National Gallery and SBS — were created within the last half century. They were part of a global trend to celebrate and resource the expression and exploration of national cultural identity. Even News Corporation, one of Australia’s most successful corporate creations, was born in this environment.

In the Age of Fang, we need to refresh the idea of Australia if we are to be more than a marginal content provider. Our cultural institutions are crucial to such a revival. Over the past fifty years their governing legislation has been redrafted, and new organisations created, but the fundamental architecture remains unchanged. Although cherished, they are under-resourced and often defensive when they need to lead. An urgent national discussion would ensure that the cultural infrastructure of the 21st century is fit for purpose and resourced to respond to the challenges and opportunities posed by the Age of Fang.

Professor Julianne Schultz AM FAHA is the founding editor of Griffith Review and chair of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School.

The Brian Johns Lecture is supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund.