Griffith Review 23: Essentially Creative

When the Prime Minister included the arts and creativity in the 2020 Summit in early 2008, it was more than political window-dressing with famous actors. It was a sign that after a decade artists, actors, writers and others engaged in the creative economy were being taken seriously.

This issue of Griffith Review draws on the talents of those attending the summit, including many of Australia's most high profile artists, to present a bold new agenda for the nation. It will explore the road blocks of the past and the future possibilities, informed by new thinking about the importance of the arts in economics, education, neuro-science and the creation of beautiful and challenging works.

The lead essay plots the way the arts have been institutionalised, but the spark of creativity still burns. Written by Helen O'Neil who has been closely involved in the arts all her life, it will propose a bold new agenda which learns from the past, from experiences and trends elsewhere to imagine a new Australia which truly values the arts and creativity.

Other essays, memoirs and reports by some of the best artists and writers in the country will bring this transformation to life. A list of authors will be available next month, but it will include big names, and others from the cutting edge of creative innovation.

This issue will precede the release of the government's response to the summit and will help develop the agenda for the year.

Features the essay 'Ratbags at the Gates' by Helen O'Neil which was shortlisted for the Alfred Deakin Prize for an Essay Advancing Public Debate as part of the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards 2009.