Cirrus@Austlit

Catriona Elder explores the origins, meanings and effects of the many stories we tell about ourselves, and how they have changed over time. She outlines some of the traditional stories and their role in Australian nationalism, and she shows how concepts of egalitarianism, peaceful settlement and sporting prowess have been used to create a national identity.
(Publisher's blurb)

'Culture in Australia, published in 2001, offers an incisive and up-to-date examination of the forces that are reshaping Australian cultural priorities, policies and practices at the start of the twenty-first century. Drawing on the work of some of Australia's leading cultural analysts, its concerns range broadly across the cultural sector encompassing art and heritage institutions, publishing, broadcasting, tourism, museums, the music industry, film and youth cultures. These are placed in the context of the major national and international forces that are redrawing the cultural landscape in contemporary Australia. Engagingly and accessibly written, Culture in Australia offers a challenging introduction to current debates and dialogues focused on the need to imagine new culture futures for an increasingly diverse and mobile people.' (Publication summary)