Australia’s pre-eminence on the world stage of cultural diversity will receive a boost with the announcement of a newly reshaped committee.

The Australia Council Multicultural Advisory Committee (ACMAC) develops strategies for and monitors the implementation of the Council’s Arts in a Multicultural Australia (AMA) Policy.

It recommends directions to the Council on issues that affect the full expression of cultural diversity in the arts.

The committee is made up of members who are industry experts in the areas of multiculturalism and the arts, appointed for their understanding, specialist knowledge, expertise and skills in arts in multicultural Australia.

The Committee has excellent local, national and global knowledge around issues of cultural diversity, multicultural policy development, strategic visioning, arts practice and advocacy.

Nicola Downer will chair ACMAC. Ms Downer is also a Community Interest Representative on the Council’s governing body, and is a member of its Decisions Review Committee.

Ms Dower said ‘Australia’s cultural diversity is universally recognised’.

‘The Australia Council for the Arts has a long and proud history of supporting the creativity of Australia’s myriad cultures.’

‘ACMAC plays a vital role in development and promoting multicultural arts for practitioners and audiences alike,’ said Ms Downer.

Other members of the committee are:

• Shane Carroll, Chair of the Council’s Dance Board, NSW
• Teresa Crea, artist and New Media Arts Fellow, SA
• Professor Amareswar Galla, ANU, ACT
• Walter Gomes, Community Development Officer, Arts and Culture Town of Kwinana, WA
• Kon Gouriotis, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and Liverpool Regional Museum, NSW
• Professor Andrew Jakubowicz, University of Technology, NSW
• Fotis Kapetopoulos, Kape Communications, VIC
• Tiffany Lee-Shoy, Regional Cultural Planning Coordinator, Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils, NSW.

In June 2005, the Australia Council reaffirmed its AMA policy. Its vision is to ensure that Australia’s dynamic cultural life and practices are embraced, celebrated and created by the nation’s diversity of cultures.

The Australia Council is committed to supporting and promoting a strong arts sector that effectively reflects and celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity, by integrating the aims of its AMA policy through the delivery of its activities.