The decision to not include a representative for literature on the Ministerial Arts and Cultural Advisory Council has been criticised by the writing community.
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Tasmanian fiction writer Ben Walter said excluding a literature expert from the panel was an obstacle to seeing the community flourish.
“In a context where Tasmanian writing is increasingly recognised and appreciated, this is a real oversight,” Mr Walter said.
“Despite the growing success of Tasmanian writers, writing remains a really tough gig, and the institutions supporting it here are for the most part weak or non-existent.”
Mr Walter is hopeful a review into the literature sector by Arts Tasmania will provide direction for government policy.
“The arts in general tend to be marginalised in Tasmania, and literature in particular has traditionally been a “poor cousin” in terms of arts resourcing in this country,” Mr Walter said.
“I think the establishment of this council testifies to the government belatedly recognising how important the arts are becoming, not just to our cultural life, but to the state’s economy.”
Arts Minister Elise Archer announced the council appointments in December.
“I am open minded to potential future appointments where they may be a skills or experience gap identified,” Ms Archer said.
“In establishing the council, members with a wide range of expertise have been appointed with the aim of facilitating a constructive, broad ranging strategic engagement.”
The council will hold its first meeting on January 16 to begin discussing the key issues facing Tasmania’s cultural and creative industries.
