It's
not hard to find critics of the Australia Council -- the body responsible for
dolling out most of the government funding to artists and companies -- in
cultural circles. But Jacqueline Elaine, executive director of the Australian
Writers' Guild, brings a high profile and a sharp axe. As she writes for Crikey:
"With the Australia Council accountable to no one outside itself, elements
of the council have a shameful track record of serving their own agenda rather
than nurturing artist-led organisations. Their decisions are inconsistent with
their own guidelines; their processes and protocols opaque."
Ouch. Elaine may have a particular vested interest, but the call for
transparency is not new. As she writes:
"It would be more encouraging still if artists were able to speak out
openly about their experiences without the fear of losing access to funding in
future. Only fair, open and transparent processes can achieve that."
Hear, hear.
Footnote:
Crikey is a daily (weekdays) news/comment/opinion electronic journal to which I subscribe.
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