We support inclusiveness and growth in Australia's creative sector, and we protect and promote Australian content and culture.
Learn more about what we do
What's new
COVID-19 is having unprecedented effects on communities in Australia and around the world....
Performing arts
A national plan is set to provide more certainty for the arts and entertainment sector.
Performing arts
A diverse range of arts and entertainment activities, including festivals, live music and theatre, opera, circus, visual arts...
Cultural heritage
Successful applicants from the 2020–21 Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme (MMAPSS) round have been announced.
Performing arts
A national plan is set to provide more certainty for the arts and entertainment sector.
Endeavour 250
The government has announced the Endeavour 250 program of events and activities to mark the 250th anniversary of James Cook's first voyage to Australia and the Pacific in 1770.
Prime Minister's Literary Awards
The Prime Minister's Literary Awards celebrate outstanding literary talent in Australia and the valuable contribution Australian literature and history makes to the nation's cultural and intellectual life.
Funding programs
Carlene West (painting) Amanda Dent (photography). (detail) +
Indigenous arts and languages
The Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program helps fund the operations of around 80 Indigenous-owned art centres, and a number of art fairs, regional hubs and industry service organisations that are at the heart of Australia’s world-famous Indigenous visual art movement.
Performing arts
Supporting venues to host live Australian music
The Live Music Australia program is a competitive grants opportunity for small to medium sized venues that support quality original Australian live music.
The first year of funding in 2020–21 includes support for activities that assist live music venues to become operational following the impacts of COVID-19 on the industry.
Courtesy of Alison McDonald (detail) +
Regional arts
The Visions of Australia regional exhibition touring program supports audience access to Australian arts and cultural material, with a particular focus on tours to regional and remote Australia.
Our Work
Artbank is a one of a kind, Australian Government support program that acquires the work of living, Australian contemporary artists – making the collection available to the general public through a leasing program.
Bruno Benini (detail) +
The National Cultural Heritage Account helps Australian public cultural organisations buy significant objects that they could not otherwise afford.
The Meeting of Cultural Ministers comprises the Australian, state and territory government arts and culture ministers.
Current consultations
Support programs
Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Minister
Meet the Minister The Hon Paul Fletcher MP.
The Australian Government is developing an Indigenous Visual Arts Action Plan to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, and their cultural and economic interests. We are seeking feedback from anyone involved with the Indigenous visual arts sector who would like to contribute to the development of the Action Plan.