The Australia Council for the Arts will host Multicultural Arts: Cultural Citizenship for the 21st Century, a one-day symposium at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday 16 August.

This event is an opportunity for decision makers from all spheres of government, the arts and multicultural organisations to discuss the contribution of multicultural arts to artistic practice and Australian cultural identity and way of life.

Australia Council chief executive officer Kathy Keele said the symposium would examine the role of Australia’s dynamic multicultural arts in creating the Australia of the future at a time of increasing cultural diversity and globalisation.

‘This is an important time for cultural dialogue. The Australia Council is committed to expanding its networks and forming new partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders to promote and seek recognition for the value of multicultural arts,’ Kathy Keele said.

The symposium will feature presentations by expert cultural commentators, live performances and keynote addresses by the Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator the Hon George Brandis SC, and Assistant Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon Teresa Gambaro MP.

Promotion of multicultural arts is one of the Australia Council’s key priority areas.  Our policy – Arts in a Multicultural Australia – articulates a vision for Australia in which dynamic cultural life and practices are created, embraced and celebrated by the diversity of our cultures. It recognises the importance we place on fostering a strong and vibrant arts sector.