Towards Creative Australia – a bold new era for Australian arts and creativity

The Australia Council for the Arts welcomes the National Cultural Policy, which sets out the Australian Government’s vision for the future of arts and creativity and a modernised Australia Council.

Australia Council CEO Adrian Collette AM:

The policy was a transformational step in the evolution of the Australia Council.

Creative Australia will be an even bigger, bolder champion and investor in Australian arts and creativity.

The National Cultural Policy provides recognition of the real value of the arts and creative industries – generating employment, skills, a stronger economy, and supporting the education, health and wellbeing of Australians.

We welcome the commitment to dedicated investment, through initiatives supporting First Nations, Music Australia, Writers Australia and the works of scale fund.

Creative industries are powered by creative workers. We welcome the commitment to establishing the Centre for Arts and Entertainment Workplaces, recognising that artists are workers and the need to ensure they are working within safe environments and under equitable conditions.

Additionally, the return of investment to the Australia Council will enable us to effectively support the sector through our existing programs to deliver greater impact in areas including youth and community arts.

As we transform to become Creative Australia, we will forge even stronger connections with the public, private and commercial sectors. This will enable us to connect Australian stories with audiences and build the marketplace for those stories to be shared on a national and international scale, enhancing our reputation, and bringing our rich culture to the world.

Led by the principle of First Nations first, the policy includes a commitment that a dedicated First Nations-led Board will be formed within Creative Australia.

Australia Council Executive Director First Nations Arts and CultureFranchesca Cubillo:

This was an important step in ensuring self-determination and strengthening First Nations arts and culture.

As we mark the 50-year anniversary of targeted investment in First Nations arts through the Australia Council, we welcome this important commitment to self-determination as the next step to build on the success of First Nations arts and culture.

Creativity connects us. Ultimately, our vision is for every voice to find its place, reflecting the rich and evolving diversity of Australia, informed by our history, as we grow and foster the next generation of storytellers.

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