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The Government has welcomed the return of 11 First Nations ancestors from two collecting institutions in the United Kingdom.
At a special ceremony hosted in Oxford, United Kingdom, the Oxford University Museum of Natural History returned six ancestors, with three returning to their respective Traditional Custodians and three ancestors returned under Australian Government stewardship.
At the same ceremony the Pitt Rivers Museum returned two ancestors to their Traditional Custodians and three ancestors returned under Australian Government stewardship.
The Government will ensure the care and dignity of the six ancestors under its stewardship, while they are cared for closer to home.
Representatives of the University, Government and Community attended the ceremony, including Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council, Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, Far West Coast Aboriginal Corporation, Ngarrindjeri Community and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
The latest repatriation means that over 1,290 ancestors have been returned from the United Kingdom to Australia over the past 30 years.
The Australian Government is committed to securing the return of ancestors held overseas to their rightful homes.
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Latest news
Ancestral breastplate returned to Country
The 19th century First Nations breastplate is of cultural and historical significance for the Gundungurra people in southeastern New South Wales.
100-year-old steam engines return to Tasmania
A pair of Fowler Ploughing Steam Traction Engines, Type Z7 named ‘The Lion’ and ‘The Lioness’ have been acquired by Pearn’s Steam World Museum in Westbury, Tasmania.
Ancient ceramic vase returned to Italy
The Australian Government has returned a culturally significant object to the Government of the Italian Republic.
Piece of history returned to Country
A 19th century Aboriginal ancestral breastplate has been returned to Country, entrusted by the community to be held at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum.
Have your say
A new National Cultural Policy
Between 23 March 2026 and 24 May 2026, Australians were invited to share their views and help guide the next National Cultural Policy. Public submissions are being uploaded to this page as they're being reviewed by us. Read the public submissions.
Arts and Screen Employment Pathways Pilot Program
We invited feedback on the development of the new Arts and Screen Employment Pathways Pilot Program to support d/Deaf and disabled artists and arts workers. This consultation is closed.
Review of the Indigenous Art Code
A review of the Indigenous Art Code to strengthen the protections for Indigenous artists and consumers across the country. This consultation is closed.
Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place
After extensive national consultation, in 2023 we delivered a 5 year national cultural policy, Revive—A place for everyone story, a story for every place.
Latest consultations
Review of the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act
Shane Simpson AM finished a review of the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 in 2015.
Funding programs
What's new
Getting the band together, but who pays their super?
Updated advice from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on who pays super to workers in the music industry.
A new page for Lending Rights
New legislation for the Lending Rights schemes commenced on 1 October 2026.
Sharing the National Collection hits 2 million visitor milestone
The Sharing the National Collection program enables galleries around the country to borrow works from the national collection for long-term display.
Australia's cultural and creative activity continues to grow
New figures show cultural and creative activity contributed $70.3 billion to Australia's economy in 2024–25.
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Positive change for Australian lending rights
Changes to the Public and Educational Lending Right schemes will see more than $26 million on its way to Australian authors, including payments for the first time for audiobooks and ebooks.
Funding strengthens the arts at country festivals
Festivals across regional and remote Australia will receive funding to connect audiences and communities.
Skywhales set sail in skies across Australia again
The iconic inflatable family are among 6 eye-catching exhibitions to tour the country thanks to the Visions of Australia program.
Supplier selected to lead review of Indigenous Art Code
Established in 2010, the Code is designed to ensure the fair and ethical treatment of First Nations artists.
Share your views on an updated guide for assessing the significance of cultural objects
The Australian Government is encouraging people involved in the collections and cultural heritage sector to have their say on an update to Significance 2.0: a guide to assessing the significance of collections.
Federal Budget hits the right notes for Canberra and Darwin orchestras
The government is continuing to support vibrant arts organisations across the country, with new funding announced for both the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and Darwin Symphony Orchestra.
Investing in our future artists and arts workers
Australia's premier arts training organisations will receive a significant funding boost in the 2024–25 Federal Budget.
Japanese ceramics to be showcased in Temora
The regional NSW town celebrates its sister city relationship with Izumizaki, Japan through a loan from the National Gallery of Australia.
National art collection springs into Alice
Foundational works, including paintings by Albert Namatjira, will travel from Canberra to the Red Centre as part of the Government’s Sharing the National Collection initiative.
Mamma Mia! Australia to represent at Eurovision with help from Government fund
The Government have announced that 14 projects will share in $1.14 million made available through the International Cultural Diplomacy Arts Fund.
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National Opera Review - Final Report Appendix
Published: 25 Oct 2016 Sections of the Discussion Paper. These documents have not been produced by us and may not meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA requirements. Please contact us at publishing@communications.gov.au to obtain alternative copies. …
PublicationWriters to be fairly compensated
Australian authors, illustrators and publishers to be recompensed for their e-books and audiobooks being held in Australian libraries. 21 Mar 2023 A woman reads an e-book on a couch As announced under the Australia Government’s new National Cultural …
NewsRekindling program reconnects First Nations youth
A flagship dance and language program is reconnecting First Nations youth with their culture. 22 Mar 2023 ‘In learning about your culture you learn more about yourself’ – a participant sums up how the Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Rekindling program it is …
NewsART/works
ART/works provides subscribers with the latest news on funding opportunities, industry research and sector updates. Sent to your inbox as major news breaks, ART/works keeps you up-to-date with what's happening in Australia's cultural and creative sector, …
PageResearch confirms importance of live music workers
Our research highlights the diverse occupations of live music workers and their contribution to Australia’s social and cultural fabric. 27 Mar 2023 The contribution of live music to our creative economy has been confirmed following the release of the …
NewsLive gigs back in the spotlight
Program provides support for venue-based music 29 Mar 2023 $2.5 million in targeted funding is available under Round Six of the Live Music Australia Program. The funding will assist live music venues as they rebuild following the impacts of the pandemic, …
NewsNational Opera Review - Final Report
Published: 25 Oct 2016 The National Opera Review was asked, under its Terms of Reference, to make recommendations aimed at promoting the financial viability, artistic vibrancy and accessibility of Australia’s four Major Opera Companies, namely Opera …
PublicationELR Policies and Procedures 2023
Published: 31 Mar 2023 ELR Policies and Procedures 2023 (Word) (DOCX, 153.92 KB) ELR Policies and Procedures 2023 (PDF) (PDF, 344.27 …
PublicationTrove funding secured in 2023-24 Federal Budget
The Australian Government will commit $33 million in funding over four years in the coming Budget, preserving Australia’s most significant cultural and historical resource. 4 Apr 2023 Photo: Damian McDonald Australia’s most important collection of digital …
NewsRare Canadian cultural objects dating back to 19th Century to return home
Museums Victoria will repatriate 6 highly significant cultural items back to their Indigenous community in Canada with the assistance of the Australian Government. 3 Apr 2023 (clockwise from top left: smoking pipe, ornate cloak, pouch, leggings, broach, …
NewsFunding and support program archive
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