The Creative Victoria Act 2017 expresses the Victorian Government's vision, support and whole-of-sector approach to the State’s creative industries, and enshrines it in legislation.
The Act recognises that:
- the arts have an intrinsic value that contributes to the cultural depth, diversity and life of Victoria
- the arts and creative industries contribute significantly to Victoria's wealth and prosperity
- the arts and creative industries are means to improve the quality of life for all individuals in Victoria and improve the community of Victoria as a whole
- all individuals in Victoria are equally entitled to access opportunities and participate in and contribute to the arts and creative industries in Victoria
- all individuals should be free to express their ideas and opinions through the arts and creative industries.
It explicitly acknowledges the contribution and importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts cultural practice and includes a specific objective to support and promote it.
The Act also recognises the economic value of the creative industries.
Replacing the former Arts Victoria, Creative Victoria was established in January 2015. It was created to pursue a more integrated approach to the creative industries, spanning across the full spectrum of the arts and culture including screen and design industries.
Repealing and replacing the Arts Victoria Act 1972, the Creative Victoria Act 2017 provides a legislative foundation for these arrangements and acknowledges the evolution of the arts and creative industries in Victoria over the previous 40+ years.
The principles expressed in the Creative Victoria Act 2017 draw on and represent the key values that emerged during the consultation process for the Creative State strategy.