While 26 January is a day of recognising the commitment that many have given to the arts, culture and philanthropy across the sector, this year’s Australia Day Honours List shows that our industry is not so great at recognising its achievements.
Across all categories (excluding OAMs), 272 honours were awarded this year, mostly in the area of medicine. Among those honours, just 20 were from the arts and culture sector, or 7%.
Gina Fairley is ArtsHub's Senior Contributor, after 12 years in the role as National Visual Arts Editor. She has worked for extended periods in America and Southeast Asia, as gallerist, arts administrator and regional contributing editor for a number of magazines, including Hong Kong based Asian Art News and World Sculpture News. She is an Art Tour leader for the AGNSW Members, and lectures regularly on the state of the arts. She is based in Mittagong, regional NSW.
Instagram: fairleygina
