Who the f**k said the world values artists? The world exploits artists. They steal our art and force us onto the poverty line because they believe all art should be free. And when we complain, they tell us to "go get a job". The politicians are only just another level of ripping us off.

FACT- The Government used to value the ARTS last century. Thanks to Brandis and his funding shrinkage to only promote excellence in ARTS, eventually dissolving the ARTS Government sector into the Communications sector with people making grant decisions with no knowledge whatsoever of the ARTS. The ARTS have been completely swept under the carpet, hundreds of thousands of small enterprises desolved at a point when the ARTS were contributing 9.4 billion a year to the Australian economy. However, in the light of a Covid economy, its the ARTS that emerged out of need, out of survival, out of shear human will and creative endeavour. Core ARTS exploded, communities found new ways of entertainment and expression......this is enterprise at its best‼️🤩👏 Former 'Federal & Qld State Disability ARTS Officer' for the ARTS PARTY.

Before I even read the article (will do), the Arts is important because it gives a wider range of people a voice. Some of us are not great with public speaking, writing well enough so as to draw people to what's being said, or do not have the ability to use the most popular spoken languages. Art/arts gives a greater range of people the ability to communicate something that is meaningful, even vital, to the Creative/s. Hence, a more democratic governing body, with people who respect democracy, I suggest will support the Arts (a wide range, not just a few), whereas those in power who do not respect democracy as much, have reason to not support a broad range of art/s. It's an argument I've been having for a long time, and I admit, I wonder somedays why argue, just do, as it all gets a bit tiring, doesn't it? But then, if I'm lucky enough to be able to be involved in my own creative passions and practices in the first place, then shouldn't others also be? I think most people (I hope) know the answer to this.

It cost $28 to send a CD to Europe these days , talk about Australia post preventing musical cultural exports from Australia

Let’s be a little realistic here: if all the creatives named in the intro went on strike tomorrow, who would notice? If Piccinini refused to sculpt, who on earth would be inconvenienced?

In a word, "philistines"!

From a musical perspective most people get it for free or near enough for free via Spotify etc and a limited amount is spent seeing live music. If so little is spent by consumers how can an industry develop and flourish?

The reason many of our artists move overseas..

Because the Ruling Rabble-Hellsong-IPA cabal is made up of philistines and bogans!

Oversupply?

Because fascists always devalue art because its a form of dissidence, expression and subversion. Also, people who are painting, or singing or writing, aren't working corporate 9-6 jobs, and that's all they care about