Creative Industries as a Pathway to Diplomacy

The importance of cultural industries and soft power diplomacy

"In my profession, the diplomacy of culture has always been at the centre of what we do"

André François Giroux, Consul General of Canada.

Like Australia, Canada is an Indo-Pacific nation that connects into the global community as a middle power. This is through the influence of our citizens and what they stand for – human rights, Indigenous reconciliation, free trade and a rules based international order among many other shared values.

Culture is the perfect vehicle for diplomacy. The Consulate General of Canada has long partnered with Australian organisations to enhance our relationships and promote trade interests. As well as acting as a connector for diverse communities, the creative sector is a thriving industry that drives employment, innovation and global opportunity.

Adelaide, the festival state, provides a rich banquet for cultural diplomacy and creative industries to work together in harmony and common bonds. In this event organised by the AIIA (SA), André François Giroux, Consul General of Canada in Sydney, will explore Canada's experiences of a hybrid approach to diplomacy and creative industries success.

Jerome de Baecque, Director of APAC for Moment Factory will join the Consul General at our forthcoming event to speak about the company's work and the importance of Illuminate Adelaide to Moment Factory's growth in the region. Moment Factory has been a key partner with Illuminate Adelaide for the past few years and will feature again this year at the Festival with the world premiere of their new installation "Resonate". Site installations by Montreal's Moment Factory will be a major feature at Illuminate Adelaide this year with Resonate and Mirror Mirror set to enchant the public. Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Fringe and WOMADelaide also provide a creative backdrop for the South Australian community and Canadians to meet around a shared experience.

As Canada looks to Australia and the region via an enhanced "Indo-Pacific Strategy" the decade ahead promises tremendous opportunity to build upon our strong people-to-people ties and trade through culture.

The Consul General will also engage in an earlier session with AIIA/SA emergent members/guests only from 5h00-5h45pm on career pathways in foreign affairs, trade/investment, development, and diplomacy.

Part of our regular 'Diplomacy at the Bar' series, where knowledge, networking and a glass of wine coalesce for a more relaxed way to get involved in international affairs. We hope you come along to join the conversation and get to know some fellow international affairs aficionados at Adelaide's Griffins Hotel.

Note: This is an in-person event only. Food provided.