Introduction

The Department recognises the intrinsic and extrinsic value of culture and the arts to the wider community. Culture and arts are fundamental to human existence – they are vital to our history, identity, creativity, expression of aesthetic meaning and our propensity for play and enjoyment. Culture and arts have the potential to improve all realms of human endeavour. Activities that engage, analyse, develop and challenge cultural norms are crucial to sustained development and social well-being.  

This Direction Statement sets a blueprint for the Department's operations over the next four years. It is intended to be a practical but high-level document, which provides the guiding philosophy and direction for the Department. Although the operations in the plan pertain to the Department, the influence of its strategies and activities expand across all portfolio organisations and the culture and arts sector. The Department is organised into three directorates, these are: Development and Strategy, Corporate Assets and Business Support and State Records Office. Each directorate reports to the Office of the Director General.

The Office of the Director General provides executive support to the Director General and is responsible for audit and risk management, strategic communications and media liaison. The Office manages the liaison between the Minister's office and the Culture and Arts Portfolio.

Development and Strategy works with a range of stakeholders, and closely with the culture and arts sector, to foster an environment for culture and arts to prosper through planning and the allocation of appropriate support. Its functions include policy development, portfolio-wide planning, research, culture and arts sector development, the Department’s grants programs, advocacy, communication and strategic culture and arts programs. It also works in partnership with the programming and policy arm of the Perth Theatre Trust.

Corporate Assets and Business Support is responsible for strategic corporate services – Human Resources, Information Services, Finance and Property Development and Management. This directorate is responsible for strategic asset management and aspects of the Perth Theatre Trust (BOCS Ticketing), venue (contract) management, business planning and marketing.

State Records Office is responsible for managing, preserving and providing access to the State’s archives. The State Records Office delivers best practice records management services to State and Local Government organisations, and provides the community with access to the State’s archives.