We develop Australian Government policies and deliver programs that encourage excellence in the arts, help to protect our cultural heritage and support public access to and participation in, arts and culture in Australia.
Learn more about what we do
Australian and Children’s Content Review
The Government is undertaking a review to determine if existing support and regulatory measures remain fit for purpose in the digital era.
What's new
Cultural heritage
Three new members have been appointed to the Advisory Committee for Indigenous Repatriation for three years.
Museums, libraries and galleries
Digitising is integral for archiving and the protection of our cultural heritage.
A new report has been released on cultural funding by government in 2015-16.
Performing arts
In our latest video, we take a look behind the scenes of a world-class international opera performance by musicians from...
Courtesy of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra (detail) +
Museums, libraries and galleries
Digitising is integral for archiving and the protection of our cultural heritage.
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
Photgrapher: Image courtesy the artist and Cad Fac (detail) +
Regional arts
The Regional Arts Fund is an Australian Government program that supports sustainable cultural development in regional and remote communities in Australia. The program is managed by Regional Arts Australia and organisations in each state and territory.
Courtesy of Australian National Maritime Museum (detail) +
Museums, libraries and galleries
The Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme aims to help manage, conserve and display maritime collections.
Courtesy of the National Library of Australia (detail) +
Regional arts
The Community Heritage Grants program aims to preserve and provide access to locally held, nationally significant cultural heritage collections across 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 Minister and Arts Minister
Meet the Minister Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield.
The Australian Government is reviewing opera in Australia by examining artistic vibrancy, engagement with audiences and financial positions of opera companies that receive Australian Government funding.