Creative Column – May 8th

This week I’d like to focus more on the new Book Club segment. Please keep submitting both your poetry and book reviews. It is always a pleasure to see the immense creative passion across the region. This week’s book review is from Lisa Mitchell who runs her own ‘Bookstagram’ account where she shares new releases, reviews and other book related content. You can find her content on Instagram via the handle @serenity.of.books

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It is really inspiring to see Australian creators perform so well on the global stage. I have always been a strong advocate for fostering arts and culture within Australia. As a country that sometimes seems to view the arts as a lesser priority, we have always been at risk of a ‘brain drain’, in which creatives head overseas for better opportunities. I too have been tempted by such a move, however I’ve realised that Australia is my home, and I think art can be a powerful way to make sense of who we are and where we come from.  

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We need art made by Australians that interrogates what it means to live in this country. I think there are too many Australian artists trying to replicate American or British work. That’s been done. We need stories that truly reflect the landscape, the environment and the history.  

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Creative talent is everywhere in Australia. We just need to nurture it.

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