COLLECTIVE CREATIVITY AND AUSTRALIAN CULTURAL POLICY
The tension defining art and culture underlies the paralysis evident in culture policy making. Government policy supports subsidizing excellence while simultaneously advocating art for the public good, as well as commercial entertainment that drives economic growth. Where ‘community’ has referred to a whitewashing universality, culture is expressed in each town, suburb and city by stories that make up a kaleidoscope of Australian identity. Cultural activists enact stories in song, dance and performance in roles of leadership, education and facilitation.
http://epubs.scu.edu.au/jesp/vol17/iss1/7/
SINGING HEALTH
Studies validate the impact of singing on physical and mental health. Reports demonstrate that singing heightens breathing and body awareness, tones abdominal muscles, can bolster the immune system, lowers blood pressure, relaxes muscles and improves cardiac output
SONGS OF CHANGE
Songs encoding subversive social and political messages can draw a community of participants in solidarity, giving voice to those who have become marginalised from mainstream social, political and cultural engagement.