Perspectives on creative arts in higher education

A New Approach by the Australian Academy of Humanities

Five Australian researchers have been appointed to support a new Australian Academy of Humanities-based independent think tank designed to “champion effective investment and return in Australian arts and culture.”

Established in 2018, A New Approach is supported by a $1.65M commitment by The Myer Foundation, the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and the Keir Foundation. Its new research working group comprises AAH Fellows:

  • Professor Malcolm Gillies AM – Chair (higher education leader, musicologist and linguist);

  • Distinguished Professor Ien Ang (transnational, multi-cultural and cross-cultural studies; local government engagement);

  • Professor Tony Bennett (cultural policy, cultural practice and consumption; museum studies);

  • Distinguished Professor Stuart Cunningham AM (creative and cultural industries);

  • Professor Jennifer Milam (art historian, public humanities).

Over the next 18 months, they expect to release a series of reports and case studies that explore the “diverse benefits of arts and cultural activity as well as current and potential approaches to advance public and private investment in cultural activity.”

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