In a scathing critique of Australia's treatment of the arts, acclaimed artist Ben Quilty has labelled the nation 'a nation of rich cowards' for its failure to support creative visionaries. Writing in a personal essay, Quilty recounts being advised against pursuing art school at age 16, with his careers adviser contacting his parents to urge him to re-enrol in economics instead.
Quilty argues that while sport is celebrated as a source of fleeting national pride, the arts provide essential 'social fibre' that sustains a healthy, resilient society. He contrasts the generous funding of sports facilities and athletes with the doubling of humanities fees under the last federal Liberal government, noting that he had to work as a builder's labourer to support his art practice while repaying university debt.
The artist points to the progressive reforms of the Gough Whitlam era as a brief period when Australia began to define a unique culture, but laments that bravery in arts funding has since evaporated. He criticises media for targeting creative minds and describes the financial stupidity of pursuing humanities degrees.
Quilty calls for a society that values dreamers and visionaries who explore uncomfortable truths, enabling new ways of being. He insists that future artists are key to building cultural fibre, but only with unflinching acknowledgment of the past and government commitment to funding culture.
