Australia is known overseas more for its tourism and job opportunities than for its arts and culture. We export far fewer cultural goods and services than we import. We want to shift this balance and enable Australian arts to flourish overseas. enable artists to discover and develop across borders strengthen collaboration and partnerships nationally and internationally captivate global audiences with diverse Australian work grow the profile of Australian arts Image: 2013 Castlemaine State Festival Public Opening, Cornucopia, Creative Producer Jude Anderson, Punctum Credit: Michael Nix Art is an international language that transcends global borders. More than one in three Australian artists has engaged in international work. Australian artists and arts organisations continue to increase their international activity over time. However, while some barriers have been removed by new technology, vast distances and the high cost of travel can still prevent artists and arts companies from touring or collaborating within and beyond Australia. In our region, the rapid growth of developing and newly industrialised nations means there are more artists influencing global narratives. This presents an economic and cultural opportunity for our artists and arts organisations to build connections with our Asian neighbours. As borders dissolve, dialogue, collaboration and exchange between Australian artists and their international counterparts will be greater than ever before. New audiences will experience Australian art. More people will engage meaningfully with Australian arts here and overseas. We will focus on enabling Australian art to travel freely across borders: We will enable artists to discover and develop by supporting their mobility and building a worldwide network of arts partners for Australian artists. We will strengthen collaborations and partnerships by developing and delivering an international development strategy. We will captivate global audiences by investing in strategic international buyers programs to introduce Australian work to new markets. We will grow the profile of Australian arts by identifying and enabling signature programs that showcase excellent Australian work to new audiences. We will maximise the impact of National Regional Touring Programs to increase access across regional communities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are the longest continuous art and culture makers on earth. Most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are culturally active, with two in three attending a cultural event each year. Research shows almost all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders want to participate more in cultural activities, but there is a real risk that culture will be lost as elders pass away. embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures into Australian arts boost investment in artistic excellence increase Australians’ experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to practice and experience their culture Image: Djuki Mala Chooky Dancers Credit: Sean Young Australians agree indigenous culture is an important part of Australian culture, and many say it is not well represented; and as a result only a minority actually engages with Indigenous arts in a regular way. Two in three Australians have a strong or growing interest in Indigenous arts, however, only two in five have actually engaged with Indigenous arts in the past year. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures are precious. More Australians should be able to experience them. Oodgeroo Noonuccal said “The artist educates the public” – now is the time for us to cherish Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists will be celebrated as heroes. More Australians will have the chance to engage meaningfully with Indigenous arts and cultures. We will focus on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures: We will embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures into Australian arts by creating a brokerage service to support organisations to collaborate and program Indigenous created work. We will boost investment in artistic excellence by investing in the development of signature works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and organisations. We will increase Australians’ experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures by creating an Indigenous market and audience development strategy. We will support young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to practise and experience their culture by supporting an intergenerational transfer of Indigenous arts and culture knowledge.
The Australia Council for the Arts is the Australian Government’s arts funding and advisory body. The Australia Council was originally established as an independent statutory authority through the Australia Council Act 1975. On 1 July 2013, the Australia Council Act 2013 commenced, updating the functions of the Australia Council. The Australia Council is accountable to the Australian Parliament and to the Government through the Minister for the Arts. Through our grants we fund a range of arts activities including the creation of new work, collaborations, touring, productions, exhibitions, performances, publishing, recording, promotion, marketing and audience engagement. We provide multi-year funding to arts organisations across Australia that create and present work and service the arts and artists. Through targeted programs and strategic initiatives we support the arts sector and lead change where needed. We advocate for the arts sector and deliver original research and analysis to inform policy and strengthen the arts industry. This document sets out our vision for the arts in Australia. It also defines the goals and strategies that will guide our work over the next five years. It responds to our new legislation and is informed by sector and nationwide consultation. Mr Rupert Myer AM, Chair Ms Robyn Archer AO, Deputy Chair Mr Tony Grybowski Mr Waleed Aly Ms Lee-Ann Buckskin Mr Adrian Collette AM Mr Khoa Do Professor Matthew Hindson AM Ms Mary–Ellen King Ms Sophie Mitchell Ms Samantha Mostyn Mr Tim Orton FOR MORE INFORMATION: Australia Council for the Arts 372 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010 PO Box 788, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012 Phone: +61 2 9215 9000 Toll-free: 1800 226 912 Email: comms@australiacouncil.gov.au australiacouncil.gov.au This plan references Arts in Daily Life: Australian Participation in the Arts, an Australia Council report released in May 2014. Image: Lena Nyadbi Dayiwul Lirlmim on the rooftop of the Musée du quai Branly