ART , CULTURE , THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES AND INDIGENOUS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
THE TORRES STRAIT REGION BUSINESS GROWTH PACKAGE
Sasha Lennon
In my more than 25 years consulting throughout Australia in the field of regional economic development , I ’ ve been struck by the often unassuming but powerful role that culture , and specifically the arts and creative industries play in the contribution they make to a region ’ s ‘ socio-economic architecture ’. Eclectic by nature and often small in scale , the arts and creative industries are essential for the way they define a region ’ s character and the contribution they make to its appeal as a place in which to live , work and invest .
Where I ’ ve found arts and creative industries to be particularly powerful in the contribution they make to economic development and community wellbeing , is in Indigenous communities . Art and culture and the creative industries are intrinsically linked with Indigenous economic development . As is the case for regional economies more broadly , efforts to help Indigenous communities prosper are most successful when they capitalise on existing comparative and competitive attributes and advantages .
‘ INDIGENOUS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ’ DEFINED ‘ Indigenous economic development ’ refers to the involvement of Indigenous people in employment , business , asset and wealth creation in the communities and regions where they live . Realising the potential of Indigenous businesses is important for Indigenous communities and the regions in which they operate more broadly . Indigenous enterprise development can help engender a greater culture of employment and social contribution within local communities and foster an environment which supports further innovation and opportunity by inspiring the next generation of Indigenous business owners .
Indigenous business development leads to employment creation . Indigenous businesses are over 100 times more likely to hire Indigenous workers than non- Indigenous businesses . Many also make significant contributions to the community , such as the provision of pro-bono advice and support , or sponsorship of local sports teams and cultural events . In turn , successful Indigenous businesses can create a ‘ multiplier effect ’ that in itself can foster further economic development and wealth creation .
One place where I ’ ve seen the successful design and implementation of Indigenous
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