Forward-thinking and innovation to fuel the economy? Yeah, what would the arts know about that

Image: Back of a girl’s headwith graduation hat

Devaluing the arts by doubling the cost of humanities is not a way to fast-track our post-Covid economic recovery efforts. 

But it certainly is a way to evolve a world concerned only by technical and tangible progression, and one entirely devoid of any holistic innovation or true universal intelligence.

By discouraging the arts, we’re completely undermining and restricting the broader potential of human intellect - potentially at the cost of entire future generations of critical thinkers, lateral problem solvers, insightful educators and well-rounded decision makers.

In fact, the Morrison government's announcement to raise the cost of humanities with the intention of fuelling 'job-specific' disciplines takes me right back to my insular year 10 careers advice, at the time advocating STEM realms as the only 'guaranteed' areas of expected employment growth in the years to come.

A talk that couldn’t possibly have been more false and comical in its projections, and in its failure to realise a near-future economy fuelled by skills, jobs and businesses in the humanities. Fields that were unimaginable a decade ago (mine included), but which today are attaining equally, if not higher-paying jobs and quicker entry into the workforce than numerous STEM subjects.

So yeah, when all that underpins my academic standing and professional career is deemed to be job ‘irrelevant’ in 2020, I take it personally. 

But personal sentiments aside, I’m proud to live in a world of exciting material advancement and technical progression. Of course I am.

But I’m equally proud to live in a world that understands our place, how we came to be, our ethical duty, our ability to create, the link between cultures and eras, and all those other non-profitable 'arts and crafts' they teach you over in the humanities.

I'm interested in a world that’s logically concerned, but also laterally equipped to deal with the complex challenges of human existence. And those who feel the same shouldn't have to double their debt because of it.