Arts Minister Andrea Michaels has released a brief discussion paper, Creating for the Future, seeking feedback on a number of key questions, with the responses to inform workshops with sector representatives in February 2024.

Michaels says the policy is expected to be released in mid-2024.

In the paper, Michaels says the policy “will build on our existing strengths and provide focus for the activities of the sector and government”.

She has previously told InReview that the policy will guide investment decisions, including on the proposed concert hall for Adelaide, which has been the focus of lobbying and attention for many years, including as recently as last week.

Michaels received an “options analysis” report into the proposed concert hall in August this year.

She says in the cultural policy discussion paper that the policy will also “inform further exploration of the development of new legislation to recognise and enshrine the value of arts, culture and creativity in South Australia”.

The paper is seeking responses to a series of questions:

• What do you most value about the arts, culture and creative sector in South Australia?
• What are the strengths and characteristics that are unique to South Australia’s arts, culture and creative sector?
• What role do we want the arts, culture and creative sector in South Australia to play in a national and international context?
• Where can we use our strengths, history, size and scale to our advantage?
• What aspects of arts, culture and creativity could only happen here?
• What is your one big idea?

It links to an online survey, which closes on January 31, 2024, which will be followed by workshops with sector representatives and an online “town hall” meeting.