In today’s rapidly evolving cultural landscape, the role of artists and cultural leaders has never been more critical. As we navigate through times of crisis and uncertainty, artists help us find meaning, hope, and a sense of community. They provoke thought, inspire change, and challenge our assumptions, offering essential perspectives for a healthy, functioning society.

At Ten Days on the Island, we celebrate and support these indispensable contributors to our cultural fabric. Now, more than ever, investing in and championing the arts is crucial to ensuring that artists continue to thrive and enrich our lives. We all must take seriously how we acknowledge and value their vital importance and profound impact on our world.

In the latest episode of our podcast Starter for Ten, in which Jane Longhurst interviews Festival Director Marnie Karmelita about her arts career, a phrase stood out: “I’m serious about this.” It made me consider what is involved in the serious business of cultural leadership today.

As custodians of one of Tasmania’s most important cultural legacies, Marnie and I see firsthand the dedication, grit, and determination that artists, curators, and cultural leaders bring to their work. This is not just a career; it’s a life pursuit that demands unwavering commitment. As Marnie discusses in the podcast, the rapidly changing role of a curator requires us to question how the festival supports artists and connects with audiences.

The landscape of cultural consumption is evolving rapidly. New audience habits are challenging traditional forms of media, and, by extension, arts festivals. As American cultural critic, music historian, producer and jazz pianist Ted Gioia asserted in his State of the Culture 2024 (Gioia, 2024) article,

“We’re witnessing the birth of a post-entertainment culture. And it won’t help the arts. In fact, it won’t help society at all.”

Gioia goes on to state;

“The fastest growing sector of the culture economy is distraction. Or call it scrolling or swiping or wasting time or whatever you want. But it’s not art or entertainment, just ceaseless activity.”

Managing artists and curating cultural experiences in this environment is not for the faint-hearted. It requires a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and resilience. The arts sector is often perceived as glamorous, but behind the scenes, it involves long hours, financial uncertainty, and constant adaptation to new trends and technologies.

Generative AI is upending barriers to entry while also exploding intellectual property rights and evaporating revenue streams for many artists. Uncurated contributor-led platforms have reshaped the TV and film industry. YouTubers like MrBeast are not just competing with Hollywood; they are redefining what it means to be a content creator. These shifts are significant because they democratise content creation, allowing more voices to be heard. However, it also means that most curatorial models are becoming outdated, professional artists are devalued, and competition for audience attention is fiercer.

Artists play an essential role in helping us make sense of a world rife with turmoil, trauma, and the disintegration of truth. They encourage divergent thinking to make sense of the chaos, offering perspectives that challenge our assumptions and inspire us to think critically. They help us navigate complex emotions and situations, providing a lens through which we can view and understand the world. So, we must not let changes in cultural consumption devalue artists. We all need to consider our role as arts patrons and reframe this role as a vital act of citizenship rather than an elitist pursuit. Art is not a luxury; what artists offer is necessary for a healthy, functioning society.

In recent years, we have witnessed firsthand what happens when we let a critical piece of our cultural infrastructure be whittled away. The dismantling of professional journalism and the fourth estate has fuelled fake news, set adrift public accountability, and cracked the foundations of democracy. If this is what happens when we devalue journalists, I shudder to think what the world will look like if we continue to devalue artists.

So, when I say, “I’m serious about this,” I mean that we must continue to invest in and support the arts, especially now. Artists are not just important; they are essential. In a world where the lines between truth and fiction are increasingly blurred, artists help us find clarity and purpose. They remind us of our shared humanity and the power of creativity to transform lives and bring us together. If you also believe this, I urge you to take action. You can do so many simple things to show that you value artists: read a book, buy a theatre ticket, visit a gallery, or go and see a band live at your local pub. And for your mental health and happiness, invite a friend to share the experience.

The world will eventually look up from their screens, dazed and confused from doomscrolling. Bewildered by the ease at which they fell for these engineered dopamine loops. While we have not hit the bottom of this spiral yet, the situation is not without hope. The early signs of a dopamine reprieve are there; our instinctive need for human interaction and to live as social beings will save us. As we heal, I’m certain arts festivals, as places of community ritual and celebration, will play a critical role in the digital detox we all crave. Festivals and live arts experiences will be the cultural balm we reach for to soothe our souls.

While festivals should continue to embrace digital advancements, we must not let go of our core purpose—we bring artists and audiences together. A live experience, shared shoulder to shoulder with neighbours and strangers alike, confirms our role as active citizens, as participants in the design of the world around us, and that we value creation over consumption. Perhaps most importantly, it confirms that change is possible.

Let’s continue to champion the arts, not just as a sector, but as a vital part of our existence. I’m serious about this.

Vernon Guest
CEO
Ten Days on the Island
October 2024

Bibliography
Gioia, T. (2024). The State of the Culture, 2024. www.honest-broker.com.