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New Media Culture in Australia
- There is considerable enthusiasm for the amalgamation of art, technology and media within the arts industry, and new media art has subsequently developed a ubiquitous presence in Australia. New media art has, although to a point, been embraced as an adventure by most Australian artists, producers, curators and audiences (Bott, 2003, p.3). New media artists and the infrastructure supporting them actively send powerful messages concerning the values of Australian culture in such a way as to engage audiences with artworks that are “distinctively Australian (in) directness, intelligence (and) humour�? (Miller, 2003, p.14).
- In actuality, despite its already large presence in the arts industry, new media art is perceived as esoteric and is experiencing slow acceptance into mainstream culture. Selected fine art galleries in Australia also express a resistance to art forms that do not conform to traditional mediums: painting and sculpture (Lloyd, 2005, 13). As such, selective galleries and museums throughout Australia are trapped in the frame of mind that new media art is different (Lloyd, 2005, 13). New media art continues to have a relatively low profile in these institutions (Cadwallader, 2004, p110).
Funding and Sponsorship for the New Media Arts
- The funds provided for new media arts in Australia are relatively low compared to traditional art forms. Corporate sponsorships are scarce and so funding is most often sought by artists and creative groups from the New Media Arts Board of the Australia Council for the Arts, where the funding process resembles applications submitted competitively under a grant category. The board offers fellowships, research and development, skills development and its initiative programs include RUN_WAY, funding for young and emerging artists under 30 years of age to attend events in order to further develop their practice (Australia Council of the Arts, 2005). Other well-known national funding bodies for arts projects include:
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Education and Resources
- In the last several years, the tertiary education sector in Australia has assimilated new media technologies into their arts, media, communications and design courses (Cleland, 2003, 12). Until recently, opportunities for artists to improve their conceptual, technological, practical and dramaturgical skills through education and training were scarce (Miller, 2003, p.14). Yet increased recognition and approval for the new media arts has instigated resource journals and training programs, most notably the Media Resource Centre(MRC) in Adelaide and Sydney-based Metro Screen. Both provide specialized training and resources in digital art and screen culture. Other new media resources of particular note include:
- Fine Art Forum: An online arts magazine hosted by the Queensland University of Technology. It is a peer-reviewed journal that provides news, information and critical content to assist and enable artists (Fine Arts Forum, 2004).
- RealTime: A bi-monthly, free print and online magazine that provides a consistent forum in Australia for reviewing and critiquing new media art (Cleland, 2003, p.12).
- Noise: A youth and media arts initiative that profiles young artists and presents their work in print, radio, television and online. Based in Australia, Noise is also internationally published to showcase the young artists world-wide.
- Mesh: An online journal hosted by Experimenta that explores critical issues surrounding new media arts.
Further Information
External Links
- Horizon Zero is a resource for digital art and culture with useful articles and discussion papers
- Rhizome.org provides useful articles and other information on new media art, including frequently updated net art news
Internal Links
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References
- Bott, J. (2003) "Introduction", in K. Gallasch (ed.) In Repertoire: A Guide to Australian New Media Art, Sydney: RealTime, p.3
- Cadwallader, H. (2004) "Arts Infrastructure for New Media in England: Some Background Notes", in L. Kimbell (ed.) New Media Art: Practive and Context in the UK 1994-2004, Manchester: Cornerhouse Publications, pp.107-110.
- Cleland, K. (2003) "Digital Art: Sources and Resources", in K. Gallasch (ed.) In Repertoire: A Guide to Australian New Media Art, Sydney: RealTime, pp.11-12
- Miller, S. (2003) "Hybrid Art: Cultural Biodiversity", in K. Gallasch (ed.) In Repertoire: A Guide to Australian New Media Art, Sydney: RealTime, pp.13-14.
- Lloyd, T. (2005) "Visual Arts; Out of this World," The (Adelaide) Advertiser: Magazines, 11 Jun., p.13.
Contributors to this entry include:
--Marnie-Anne Snow 09:45, 28 Oct 2005 (EST)
Word Count: 469 words
