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....
We're conducting a nationwide online survey of artists and creative businesses.
Performing arts
Eight performing arts organisations are new entrants to the National Performing Arts Partnership Framework.
Indigenous arts and languages
Applications are now open for the Indigenous Languages and Arts (ILA) program.
Photo by Liz Thompson (detail) +
We're conducting a nationwide online survey of artists and creative businesses.
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
General
The Arts Sustainability Fund supports the arts and entertainment sector to continue its activities by providing necessary finance to plan a pathway for recovery from the effects of COVID‑19. Funding will support employment and contribute to rebuilding Australia’s economy, as well as enhancing community wellbeing and access to cultural experiences across Australia.
Performing arts
The Show Starter Loan Scheme is supporting up to $90 million of lending to eligible existing arts and entertainment entities that have been adversely affected by COVID-19. Under the Scheme, the Government is guaranteeing 100% of new loans taken out by eligible arts and entertainment businesses to deliver new productions or events for a live audience. Loans are provided by participating lenders.
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Museums, libraries and galleries
The National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach program aims to bring Australian and overseas cultural material to all Australians through national tours, and help tour Australian works overseas.
Provides information on the NCITO program.
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.