Course overview
This course will provide participants with an understanding of the global, political, economic and cultural environment in which the arts operate. It addresses both the roles of arts in society and the role of government in relation to the arts. The economic, social and political dimensions of the arts are considered, as well as the impact of the globalisation of culture and the recognition of cultural diversity. In this context the cultural policy of Australia and selected overseas countries are examined. Finally, contemporary influences on arts practice are considered such as the industrial and economic framing of the arts and how the arts are presently valued and evaluated. Definition and philosophy; sources of cultural statistics; relationships between the arts and society; structure and operation of the subsidised arts; roles of the arts in leisure and recreation; arts and the cultural industries; review of issues; education and the arts; roles of arts centres; cultural theories.
Syllabus includes: the general global environment; the arts and society; the economic, productive and government dimensions of the arts; new technology and the arts; the globalisation of culture; cultural policy and the arts in Australia; cultural policy and the arts in selected countries.
Course learning outcomes
- Discuss and critique the roles of the arts in society.
- Recognise and evaluate cultural diversity and different arts practices which contribute to the development of cultural policy.
- Critique the roles of government in relation to arts and culture and the nature of that involvement.
- Analyse how governments develop and implement cultural policies in Australia and overseas.
- Assess and evaluate the connections between arts, cultural, economic and social objectives in developing cultural policy.
- Demonstrate Business Enterprise Skills in the context of the Arts and Cultural Management discipline: i) Self-Management (foundation level), ii) ii) Ethical Awareness (foundation level); iii) Written Communication (foundation level); and iv) International Perspective (foundation level).
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