Minister for the Arts George Souris announced the reference group on Friday (19 April) and said the new policy would outline a 10-year vision for the sector.

Freeland (pictured with actress Cate Blanchett) is chair of the Sydney Film Festival and also championed Bakers’ recent partnership with the Sydney Opera House for their All About Women event, which focused on leading and successful women in the arts.

He said that for lawyers and others in corporate roles, concentrating on things outside the corporate world, such as film and art, makes for more rounded, thoughtful and creative people.

Freeland said the NSW Government’s commitment to developing the state’s first arts and culture policy reflects the importance of the sector.

“This reference group will ensure the sector is closely involved in the policy process. It’s an honour to work with the NSW Government ... as well as the wider community in the development of this landmark policy,” he said.

The other members of the reference group are: Professor Deborah Stevenson, University of Western Sydney; Scott Howie, Eastern Riverina Arts; Lisa Havilah, CEO, Carriageworks, and Ben Quilty, artist, trustee of the Art Gallery of NSW and 2011 Archibald Prize winner.

Souris said: “NSW’s arts and culture sector contributes around $4.5 billion to the state’s economy.

"The Arts and Cultural Policy will provide a strong foundation for ensuring the ongoing viability of the sector.

“The ... Policy will provide the NSW Government with a strong platform to drive the growth and development of a professional, engaged and commercially sustainable sector in NSW.”