Is there any appetite for risk at Creative Australia? And the story behind the art of Emily Kam Kngwarray
Khaled Sabsabi is once again Australia's representative to the 2026 Venice Biennale, after the Board of Creative Australia reversed their previous decision to rescind his invitation. Elizabeth Ann Macgregor, the former director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, says that Instead of shying away from controversy, a strong agency would embrace it and work to engage the public. But after an independent review that spoke a lot about risk management, what will happen to Creative Australia's appetite for risk?And Emily Kam Kngwarray is one of Australia's most renown artists and one of the most expensive. This week, a major collection of Kngwarray's art opens at the Tate Modern in London. Featuring more than 70 pieces, it's the first exhibition of this scale of her work in Europe. Danielle MacLean, director of Emily: I am Kam, explores the life, the Country, and the politics behind the art.Our track of the week is Something About A Cake Shop by Stiff Gins.Stories mentioned in the headlines:Sean Combs, aka Diddy, found guilty on two charges, but acquitted on three othersGareth Sansom wins the Sorrento Art PrizeMuseum of West African Art announces first public exhibitionActor Julian McMahon dies at 56Actor Michael Madsen dies at 67
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Politicians and musicians clash over Glastonbury chants and Anna Wintour steps away from the role that's defined her career
UK punk duo Bob Vylan have the political world in an uproar after their set at Glastonbury Festival, which included some inflammatory language about Israel and Gaza. But Bob Vylan were far from the only act to speak out from the stage. UK journalist Ash Sarkar takes us into the battle of words between the government and musicians in the UK.Anna Wintour is stepping back from her role as editor-in-chief of American Vogue after 37 years. Wintour isn't moving away from the industry, but it marks a significant shift for Wintour and for the magazine. Former Vogue Australia editor-in-chief Kirstie Clements explores Wintour's impact and the role of fashion magazines in 2025.And Brett Adlington looks at regional galleries in NSW, who face significant budget shortfalls after the latest round of funding announcements by Create NSW. Our track of the week is Blissing Part I & II by Freyja Garbett
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"It has never been harder to make a living in the creative sector." What's gone wrong in Australia's arts capital?
For decades, the assumption has been that if you're from one of the smaller towns in Australia and you want a career in the arts, you'll have to move to Melbourne. But, according to a new report tabled in the Victorian parliament last week on the cultural and creative industries, "It has never been harder for Victorians to make a living in the creative sector". Georgie Purcell, who headed that inquiry, shares the lessons she's hoping the government (and governments around Australia) can learn.And La Mama Theatre survived a fire and the pandemic, but has had to pause performances this year to try to figure out how to build a more sustainable future. CEO Caitlin Dullard explains what's led to that pause and what the future might look like — for La Mama and for independent theatre across Australia.Our track of the week is Bawuypawuy by Drifting Clouds, chosen by Sara Glaidous.Stories mentioned in the headlines:NSW government unveils $380m arts packageMiles Franklin shortlist announcedMan Sits On and Breaks Crystal-Encrusted 'Van Gogh' Chair in Italian Museum Before FleeingGlobally recognised Lockhart River Art Centre on verge of collapseRudi Bremer, Teresa Tan, and Daniel Browning win mid-year Walkley for art journalism
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Hollywood studios sue AI company and Creative Australia takes aim at music listening habits
"A bottomless pit of plagiarism." That's how Disney and Universal have referred to Midjourney — a generative AI platform — in a new lawsuit that alleges significant copyright infringement. Reid Southen shares what he discovered in his research, which is quoted extensively in the lawsuit.Last year, the Triple J Hottest 100 had among the fewest Australian artists ever in the countdown. This year the network plans to put things right, with a Hot 100 of Australian music. And most of us say we love Australian music, but the amount we consume seems to be going steadily down. Creative Australia have been working to find out what's driving that trend, Dr Christen Cornell talks about their Listening In reports.Our track of the week is Sae Slight a Thing by Quinie, chosen by Ellie Parnell.Stories mentioned in the headlines:Brian Wilson dies, aged 82Harvey Weinstein found guilty of one charge, acquitted of one charge, and third charge ends in mistrialSly Stone dies, aged 82Yael van der Wouden wins Women's Prize for Fiction
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Marg Horwell takes home a Tony and the Perth Cabaret Festival ceases operations
Marg Horwell has taken home the Tony Award for best costume design for a play for the Broadway production of The Picture of Dorian Grey, adding to her collection after taking out the Olivier Award for the West End production last year.As part of their exploration of reforms begun last year, the Productivity Commission has called for submissions into "Harnessing data and digital technology" including the use of AI. Claire Pullen from the Australian Writers' Guild shares the hopes and concerns from her sector of the arts.And the board of the Perth International Cabaret Festival has announced that the 2025 Festival will not proceed and that they will cease operations effective immediately. Ali Welburn, one of the festival's founders, explains what happened and looks to the future.Our track of the week is Final Days by Lucius, chosen by Ce BenedictStories mentioned in the headlines:Winners of the Tony Awards include Sarah SnookPolice investigating the killing of Jonathan Joss as a possible hate crimeAustin Mackay misses music festival performance after being detained at LAXMSO records significant loss over last financial yearLost Turner oil painting found after 150 yearsTom Cruise scores Guinness World Record for most burning parachute jumps
Your ultimate guide for staying in the know and getting inspired. An essential wrap-up of arts news and the best interviews, brought to you by the Arts team at ABC Radio National.
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