Australian Culture in a Volatile Global Order

Cultural Policy Futures: New Ideas for Volatile Times

Australian Culture in a Volatile Global Order

Thursday 30 July | 5.30pm for a 6pm event start

Bradley Forum, Level 5, Hawke Building, City West, 55 North Terrace, Adelaide

Please note that this an in-person event with a livestream option. Please select the livestream ticket option when registering and a Zoom link will be emailed to you in advance of the event.

Free to attend, please register for catering purposes.

Cultural Policy Futures is a one-year collaboration between the Don Dunstan Foundation and Adelaide University’s Creative People, Products and Places (CP3). Four public events will explore different challenges facing South Australia and Australia, imagining possible futures with a practical, policy-oriented intent.

In a world of increasing violence and proliferating crises, where the “international rules-based order” we all took for granted suddenly seems to hang by a thread, what is the role for culture? Usually associated with ‘soft power’ and the projection of Australian values, how can culture act in a world of competing geopolitical camps, where “might is right” realism is on the rise. As a “middling power democracy” what might Australia do in this international cultural space, at time when overseas aid is being cut, sustainable development attacked by our lead ally and a globally organised authoritarian right seems intent on destroying liberal progressivism? In this new landscape are we still part of the “West”? How do we read China’s growing cultural influence? How do we culturally connect with our near-neighbours in the Indo-Pacific? How does all this relate to the 65,000-year history on our own continent? Does South Australia have its own capacity to act positively in this changing world? Above all, do we need a new vision for Australian culture in the world?

Speakers:

Tom Chodor, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, Monash University

Prior to joining Monash, Tom was the UQ Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Queensland, and a Lecturer in the School of Sociology at the Australian National University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Auckland, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and PhD from the Australian National University. Tom's research interests are in the areas of International Political Economy, International Relations and global governance.

Christie Anthoney, experienced cultural leader

Christie is a respected cultural leader whose work spans festivals, government, higher education and the management of major arts venues. She is driven by a belief that creativity is essential public infrastructure, critical for strengthening communities, advancing social wellbeing, supporting artists and shaping inclusive places.

Having worked across Australia, Scotland and Canada, Christie brings an international perspective and an extensive network of cultural leaders, practitioners, and institutions. She is passionate about connecting people, ideas and creativity to create lasting impact, and champions the role of the arts as a catalyst for innovation and civic participation.

Alongside her leadership practice, Christie serves on arts boards, lectures at Flinders University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and is co-owner of The Pear Coffeehouse in Alberton -  a neighbourhood café that reflects her commitment to connection and place.

Luke Dollman, Dean International & Engagement, College of Creative Arts, Design & Humanities, Adelaide University

Associate Professor Luke Dollman is Dean International & Engagement for the College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities at Adelaide University. He began his career working professionally as a violinist before turning to conducting. He has conducted throughout Europe and Australasia, working with orchestras such as the London Philharmonic, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Helsinki Philharmonic, Monte Carlo Philharmonic, Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie, Halle Staatskapelle, Lausanne Sinfonietta, Hong Kong Sinfonietta and all of Australia’s professional orchestras. Luke is a graduate of the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and furthered his studies at the Aspen Festival of Music and Accademia Chigiana in Italy. In recent years he has developed and led a number of large scale cultural diplomacy projects funded by the National Foundation for Australia China Relations, the Australia Singapore Arts Group, and the Australian High Commission in Singapore.

Discussion led by Justin O’Connor, Adelaide University.

Schedule:

5,30pm Doors open

6pm Event starts

7,30pm Panel discussion concludes, please stay for a post-event drink

8pm Event concludes

Please note that this event will be recorded and livestreamed.