Spot on John Schumann. You ask the right questions and display valid fears in color where you say, "Sadly, flair, creativity and new ways of thinking are not qualities that one ordinarily associates with the grey-faced mandarins the Government will inevitably assign to the task."

I agreed with some of what Political commentator George Megalogenis said when he discussed how in some ways we have lost some of the vision and innovative momentum, as a nation, when it comes to our creatative impetus, equivalently. That inspiration and spark that seemed to provide civic ownership, thrust and velocity to ground gained by the development of policy objectives enough to give hope in the aim for ecouraging exploratory minds possessed by artists, writers, designers and inventors.

Art - science and technology. Are we not people all looking to the future and what that can bring?

As George Megalogenis suggests, there are presently structural problems undermining political leadership in the major parties and the 'crisis of governance' it is producing.

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/latenightlive/stories/2010/3074130.htm

May we not forget,

"In the NBN roll-out, there'll plenty of jobs for party hacks, mates, geeks, tech-heads, bureaucrats and patient, IT-savvy youngsters at IP help-desks. But there's also serious role in here for our social scientists, our poets, our historians, our artists and our philosphers - those whose vision of the future is informed by a genuine understanding of what it is to be human."

We speak for a nation and hope for inclusion.

http://www.miacat.com/

'those whose vision of the future is informed by a genuine understanding of what it is to be human."'

How pompous. So just because someone doesn't act like that teacher on Summer Heights High they have no vision or understanding of what it is to be human? pft! Get your hand off it.

The arts community is so far up it's own ass its not funny.

Sad response Houellebecq. You dont play music then? You don't go to movies, know anyone who plays guitar, a flute or drums? You don't go to festivals, music gigs, read books or even watch TV. Sad Houellebecq.

I understand why you might feel put out but remember the "elite" sector do not represent all of us. Most artists struggle to buy materials. To learn new skills and ways to make an income. Art is a practice, as is thinking, eating, cleaning, walking, riding horses, playing...

Here's an example of an artist doing what many artists do. She may not be the teacher on Summer Heights High but someone I admire, for lots of creative reasons.

http://artintegrity.wordpress.com/tag/circus-theme-kids-art/

As a community arts worker myself I can tell you its difficult being so very misunderstood. A struggle if you are left out in the ways you suggest.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_arts

Everyone's an Artist! Even you Houellebecq if you have the curiosity, wonder and patience.

http://www.artforum.com.au/post-101077.html&sid=055988ef66d49a3caf622d485d74582e

Can you really say "pompous" when you think about the Art - Science and Technology and put it all in a historical context. Have you not ever taken a photo, made a chair or table. Found pleasure in creating something? Even gardening is an art. The Art of life itself is a craft we all enjoy.... less you have another view?

Human is about you and me.... Houellebecq not "them". You make art for yourself and or others.

Do you not use a computer. Someone creative invented it.

Do you not have "ACCESS" to the internet, watch Youtube? So many talented people who do, share knowledge, ideas, do things constructive, creative and some have worked out how to gain opportunity and income. ie: They design cars, planes, houses.... come on!

Access for ALL.

That is the point.

See ya!

http://www.miacat.com/