Latest news with #StateLibrary
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Without writers and thinkers, Sydney risks becoming a cultural ghost city
It has been a big week for the nation's publishers, with the 2025 Miles Franklin Literary Award, won by Siang Lu for his novel Ghost Cities, bringing attention to the best Australian fiction published over the past year. But, as Linda Morris reports in today's Sun-Herald, key industry voices have warned that professional writing will become an unviable occupation within 20 years, without a steady flow of paid speaking gigs to supplement measly earnings from book sales. Australia's writers earn an average of $18,500 a year. In an attempt to increase the stream of such gigs, the Sydney Writers' Festival will move to deliver events year-round, becoming a resident company of the State Library. The move – supported by a $1.5 million state government investment – comes ahead of NSW's new writing and literature strategy, a welcome Australian first. Because, while Arts Minister John Graham is right to say that Sydney is 'not a shallow city', it is also an ever more expensive city – one which creatives are leaving in droves for cheaper Australian capitals or better opportunities abroad. As Australia's publishers grapple with how to foster a new generation of local writers, a similar crisis is being experienced by the nation's music industry, where artists, earning from streams a fraction of what they did from record sales, have been left to invest thousands of dollars touring music to try to escape the international algorithms that now determine airplay. Loading The Australian Recording Industry Association will change the way it calculates its charts from September, restricting the list to songs released in the past two years, amid concerns about older tunes sitting on the chart for years after it included streaming plays and not just record sales in its count. This has been a particular issue for ARIA's Australian music charts. Last week, the top song on the Australian Artist Singles chart was Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House, released in 1986. AC/DC's Thunderstruck, released in 1990, was in second, having spent 181 consecutive weeks in the top 20. And that isn't even that long a stint: Vance Joy's 2013 Hottest 100 winner Riptide has been in the top 20 for 363 consecutive weeks, last week at number 4.
The Age
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Without writers and thinkers, Sydney risks becoming a cultural ghost city
It has been a big week for the nation's publishers, with the 2025 Miles Franklin Literary Award, won by Siang Lu for his novel Ghost Cities, bringing attention to the best Australian fiction published over the past year. But, as Linda Morris reports in today's Sun-Herald, key industry voices have warned that professional writing will become an unviable occupation within 20 years, without a steady flow of paid speaking gigs to supplement measly earnings from book sales. Australia's writers earn an average of $18,500 a year. In an attempt to increase the stream of such gigs, the Sydney Writers' Festival will move to deliver events year-round, becoming a resident company of the State Library. The move – supported by a $1.5 million state government investment – comes ahead of NSW's new writing and literature strategy, a welcome Australian first. Because, while Arts Minister John Graham is right to say that Sydney is 'not a shallow city', it is also an ever more expensive city – one which creatives are leaving in droves for cheaper Australian capitals or better opportunities abroad. As Australia's publishers grapple with how to foster a new generation of local writers, a similar crisis is being experienced by the nation's music industry, where artists, earning from streams a fraction of what they did from record sales, have been left to invest thousands of dollars touring music to try to escape the international algorithms that now determine airplay. Loading The Australian Recording Industry Association will change the way it calculates its charts from September, restricting the list to songs released in the past two years, amid concerns about older tunes sitting on the chart for years after it included streaming plays and not just record sales in its count. This has been a particular issue for ARIA's Australian music charts. Last week, the top song on the Australian Artist Singles chart was Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House, released in 1986. AC/DC's Thunderstruck, released in 1990, was in second, having spent 181 consecutive weeks in the top 20. And that isn't even that long a stint: Vance Joy's 2013 Hottest 100 winner Riptide has been in the top 20 for 363 consecutive weeks, last week at number 4.
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Minister pressed library leaders twice before sinking award ceremony
The news Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek unsuccessfully pressed State Library leaders on two occasions before issuing a direction that led to the last-minute cancellation of a First Nations author's award ceremony in May. The previously unknown detail of a meeting between Langbroek, the library chief executive and board chair one week prior comes as the library launches a promised review into its award processes. The review's terms of reference say it will aim to 'strike a balance between the priorities and expectations of the Minister' and the role of the library as a publicly funded entity. Why it matters The library flagged the review in May, after Langbroek intervened to stop one of two black&write! fellowships going to Adelaide-based author K.A. Ren Wyld, whom he accused in parliament of 'glorifying terrorism'. One day before their presentation, Langbroek made a formal direction that the $15,000 award should not be given to Wyld in a state-owned venue due to a social media post praising slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar – flagged with him by his department, and now deleted. Langbroek's directive, which followed the May 12 meeting and a May 16 follow-up letter, led to the library cancelling Wyld's contract only after she flew to Brisbane and hours before the federally funded program's ceremony was set to begin. The decision sparked the resignations of several Queensland literary award judges in protest. It was praised by the state's peak Jewish body, and came amid a national debate about antisemitism and free speech.
The Age
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Age
Minister pressed library leaders twice before sinking award ceremony
The news Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek unsuccessfully pressed State Library leaders on two occasions before issuing a direction that led to the last-minute cancellation of a First Nations author's award ceremony in May. The previously unknown detail of a meeting between Langbroek, the library chief executive and board chair one week prior comes as the library launches a promised review into its award processes. The review's terms of reference say it will aim to 'strike a balance between the priorities and expectations of the Minister' and the role of the library as a publicly funded entity. Why it matters The library flagged the review in May, after Langbroek intervened to stop one of two black&write! fellowships going to Adelaide-based author K.A. Ren Wyld, whom he accused in parliament of 'glorifying terrorism'. One day before their presentation, Langbroek made a formal direction that the $15,000 award should not be given to Wyld in a state-owned venue due to a social media post praising slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar – flagged with him by his department, and now deleted. Langbroek's directive, which followed the May 12 meeting and a May 16 follow-up letter, led to the library cancelling Wyld's contract only after she flew to Brisbane and hours before the federally funded program's ceremony was set to begin. The decision sparked the resignations of several Queensland literary award judges in protest. It was praised by the state's peak Jewish body, and came amid a national debate about antisemitism and free speech.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
‘The Continuum: 3 Generasi' honours legacy of Raphael Scott Ahbeng, nurtures future of Sarawak art
Sylvester (left) explains one of his paintings at Hoan Gallery. With him is Faizuan. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 24): Bidayuh artist Sylvester Jussem hopes the legacy of his late mentor, the renowned Raphael Scott Ahbeng, will continue to inspire future generations through the 'The Continuum: 3 Generasi' art exhibition. Currently running at La Promenade Mall's Hoan Gallery, the exhibition features works by three artists: the late Raphael, Sylvester himself, and Dr Mohamad Faizuan Mat, a mentee of Sylvester. 'This exhibition, jointly presented by the State Library and Hoan Gallery as their second major showcase of 2025, celebrates Sarawak's dynamic visual arts scene through the works of three generations,' Sylvester said when met at the gallery yesterday. Approximately 40 artworks are on display, with an estimated collective value of RM200,000. Sylvester also expressed gratitude to Hoan Gallery for providing a platform to showcase their creative journeys, describing the exhibition as an important opportunity for Sarawak's art community to engage with the public. 'It also presents an opportunity to engage with researchers, students, and art enthusiasts on visual arts and cultural heritage,' he said. Noting the growing interest in visual arts in Kuching, he added that the exhibition offers a valuable space not only to showcase their work but also to connect with a wider audience. 'We hope this momentum will lead to more exhibitions and increased support for local artists in the future.' Sylvester, who had studied under Raphael from a young age, described the late artist as a pioneering figure known for his bold experimentation and refusal to be confined by a single artistic approach. He noted that Raphael's work spanned oils, ceramics, caricatures, figurative art, and abstraction, reflecting a deep engagement with Sarawak's natural and cultural landscapes. 'He began his creative journey through writing and believed that writing itself was a form of drawing. 'He was also a teacher who welcomed feedback and encouraged dialogue. His spirit continues to inspire us,' said Sylvester. He also emphasised the importance of expanding gallery spaces to support emerging Sarawakian artists, particularly those working in installation, projection, and multimedia art. Highlighting the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of the local art scene, Sylvester noted that artistic collaborations now often extend to professionals from fields such as architecture and engineering. 'Art is evolving, and we need more space for contemporary expression to accommodate a growing number of artists. 'It is also encouraging to see creatives from different backgrounds joining the conversation – the art community is becoming more inclusive and dynamic.' 'The Continuum: 3 Generasi' features some of Raphael's most iconic works, including The Mountainous District of Bau (2010) and Santubong (2014), which reflect his signature style and deep reverence for Sarawak's landscape. Sylvester's contributions, such as Ruyank'ng and Rasunk'ng of the Ring Ladies, Kampung Semban (2023), incorporate abstract representations of traditional attire, ritual, and symbolism rooted in Bumiputera identity. Meanwhile, Faizuan brings an experimental and contemporary perspective to the exhibition. His abstract works – influenced by natural forces such as tidal waves and wind – aim to convey emotional resonance through motion and layered texture. 'This exhibition symbolises continuity and dialogue between generations. It honours the past while paving the way for future voices in the arts,' said Sylvester. The exhibition is open to the public from tomorrow (July 25) to Aug 14, and offers a series of artist-led talks, live demonstrations, and interactive sessions aimed to enhance public appreciation for Sarawak's visual arts. For further information, visit or follow @HoanArtGallery on social media. art exhibition hoan gallery lead Sylvester Jussem The Continuum: 3 Generasi
