New research into regional cultural support

149/04
26 October 2004

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today announced that Dr Brian Kennedy would undertake a new research project aimed at assisting the Australian Government in improving regional cultural support.

The research will focus on both the social and economic benefits of cultural activity in regional and remote Australia, and the development of a plan to support indigenous art as a means of encouraging the cultural and economic development of communities.

Dr Kennedy will also provide advice on how policies and programs in support of regional cultural activity might be improved.

"I am pleased that Dr Kennedy has agreed to take on this task," Senator Coonan said.

"His skills, experience, and in particular his passion for and knowledge of indigenous art will be of great assistance in implementing key aspects of the Australian Government's Indigenous Arts Centres Strategyand Action Plan released in October 2003."

Dr Kennedy was the Director of the National Gallery of Australia from 1997 to August 2004.

It is expected that Dr Kennedy's research will be completed in early 2005.