Dangerous Dinner - Merit, Money, or Meaning: What Should Drive Arts Funding

Dangerous Dinner July

Merit, Money, or Meaning: What Should Drive Arts Funding

Hosted by Prof Barbara van Ernst AM, Dr Ingmar Wahlqvist & Deborah Remfry

We all value the arts, but how should they be supported in practice? This dinner invites a thoughtful conversation about the different ways the arts are funded and what the development and maintenance of a healthy arts culture requires.

Who decides: government, arts organisations, philanthropists or the public? And where is the voice of the practitioner in all of this? How are those decisions made? Is it about artistic merit, public benefit, cultural significance, access, diversity, or audience demand? 

History has proven that world-wide, the market has not been able to support companies undertaking creative and performance work that they claim to be of national significance. Equally, the market alone has not supported more than a minority of chosen practitioners at any one time. 

From artists on salary to independent creatives building their own way, we’ll discuss the strengths and limits of various approaches – and how they shape the work that gets made, determine which people get to make it, and the kind of creative culture we sustain together

Dangerous Dinners offer an opportunity to fearlessly discuss contemporary, challenging and interesting ideas, themes and points of view.

In a relaxed, informal dining environment, we draw on the diverse expertise of our members, sharing their ideas and experiences on complex or controversial topics; to learn from others, challenge assumptions, spark new ideas or point the way for potential actions.

Dangerous because the topics may be difficult to discuss, ask the silent questions, challenge thinking, unpack pressing issues, test emerging trends. Safe because we respect others’ views, it is polite not offensive, under Chatham House rule and listening with the intent to learn.

On a regular basis, you will be able to join your fellow Melbourne Forum members for a robust discussion on a range of themes in dynamic company and over a light meal. The focus is on ‘food for thought’ with shared conversations and shared platters as part of the collegiality.