In an effort to build upon Victoria’s reputation as ‘the creative state’, Victorians are being called upon to assist in the development of the state’s first ever creative industries strategy.

Earlier this week, Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley launched a discussion paper entitled ‘Let’s get creative about Victoria’s future’, bringing together all sectors of the arts.

“This strategy is an opportunity to re-imagine the role creative and cultural industries play in our lives, our communities and our state – and ensure that all Victorians reap the cultural, social and economic benefits they bring,” said Mr Foley.

With Victoria’s creative industries estimated to account for 200,000 jobs, and contributing around $22.7 billion to the state’s economy, the strategy looks to broaden this contribution by nurturing talent and creating new jobs.

Development manager of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival Fotis Kapetopoulos told Neos Kosmos he agrees with the approach and described the consultative process as “fantastic”.

“I like the integrated approach they’ve put in place. It’s bringing in the whole sector of creative activities. I think it’s really important,” he said.

The minister’s discussion paper looks at how creative industries can build audiences and markets, cultivate skills and innovation, and realise opportunities provided by digital technologies.

Greater support for Aboriginal arts and culture, along with funding for the arts across regional Victoria and outer metropolitan Melbourne are also on the agenda.

“We need to have a discussion about heritage in terms of cultural diversity,” adds Kapetopoulos. “One area that has always been difficult for us to navigate is the role of the ethnic festival. How does it fit in the creative sector? The ethnic festival is often the first port of call an artist finds themselves in. Currently a lot of these are funded by local government and by the Victorian Multicultural Commission.

“The overall strategy is a good thing. Having said that, at the end of the day, it depends how much money comes into the policy.”

To oversee the development of the strategy and provide independent advice, Mr Foley has appointed a taskforce led by chief executive of Melbourne University Publishing, Louise Adler.

Victorians are invited to take part in the discussion online and can attend public forums being held throughout Victoria during June and July.

To add your voice to Victoria’s Creative Industries Strategy go to: strategy.creative.vic.gov.au