Press Releases
Australian Chamber Orchestra showcases 'Creative Australia' at special Niseko performance
TKAT01/2010
15 January 2010
A special performance by Australia's internationally renowned Australian Chamber Orchestra in Niseko will be the platform for the Japanese launch of 'Creative Australia', a new initiative promoting Australian creative industries in Japan.
Austrade's Trade Commissioner responsible for leading the creative industries push in North Asia, Ms Sally Phillips said Australian creative talent had developed an international reputation in many industries and was increasingly developing a profile in Japan.
"Almost half a million Australians are employed in the creative industries, including global names at the top of their field as well as up-and-coming talent," Ms Phillips said.
"Australia boasts global entertainment icons such as Nicole Kidman and Kylie Minogue, but also highly respected performers such as Tommy Emmanuel - voted the world's No 1 acoustic guitarist.
"Traditional and contemporary performing arts companies' such as the Queensland Ballet and major musical productions 'Burn the Floor' also demonstrate the depth and diversity of Australia's creative talent," Ms Phillips said.
In the architectural and urban design fields, Australian firms have triumphed on the global stage. There are four Australian Architectural firms amongst the 40 largest architectural practices - only the US and the UK boast more in the Top 40.
Iconic Australian designs around the world include Beijing's National Aquatics Centre or 'Water Cube', created by Australian architecture design firm PTW.
Austrade's Consul and Trade Commissioner in Sapporo, Mr. Chris Wood said Niseko, which had benefited from Australian design, was the perfect location to launch a campaign promoting awareness of Australian creative industry capability.
"Renowned Australian architect Riccardo Tossani developed the urban planning for the Niseko Village Town and Australian pioneer developers such as Hokkaido Tracks have transformed the local architectural landscape with their modern twist on ski-in condominium design"
Australia's Indigenous art also offers a unique and iconic contribution to world culture, and is the product of the oldest continuous cultures on earth. Australian indigenous art has been described by acclaimed international art critic Robert Hughes as "the world's last great art movement."
"Creative Australia' initiative is a cross-regional marketing platform that aims to promote these and other Australian creative industries to Japan and other parts of Asia," Ms Phillips said.
"We hope to engage a larger slice of Japan's growing demand for the products and services of the creative sector by demonstrating the originality and vibrancy of the Australian industry," she said.
For more information on Australian film, visual and performing arts, publishing, architectural, industrial and ICT-related design, visit www.austrade.gov.au/creativeaustralia
The Niseko Winter Festival runs until Sunday 17 January.
For more information visit www.aco.com.au.
This media release is for Japanese media only - for any Australian media inquires - contact Austrade's Senior Media Advisor -
David Varga +61 (2) 9390-2191
Email: david.varga@austrade.gov.au
For details, please contact;
Sally Phillips
Trade Commissioner, Consul
Austrade Osaka, Australian Consulate General, Osaka
Ph: 06 6941 9467
Email: sally.phillips@austrade.gov.au