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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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Displaying 51 - 60 of 274
Bendigo Art Gallery acquires major Sidney Nolan painting
The gallery has acquired a significant 1962 painting by renowned Australian artist Sidney Nolan thanks to the National Cultural Heritage Account.
Sharing the National Collection program celebrates 1 million visitors
The program helps galleries around the country to loan works from the national art collection.
Funding available for arts activities at regional and remote festivals
Round 21 of the Festivals Australia program is now open, with over $700,000 available to support arts projects delivered in regional and remote areas.
Funding available for new touring exhibitions
Apply now for the latest round of Visions of Australia funding.
New advisory group to champion fair access to the arts
Members have been appointed to the Implementation Advisory Group in support of Equity: The Arts and Disability Associated Plan.
Sir Donald Bradman’s Baggy Green the newest addition to the national collection
The National Museum of Australia has recently acquired the iconic cricketer’s cap with the help of the National Cultural Heritage Account.
Ukrainian cultural objects returned home
Two archaeological objects have been returned to the Government of Ukraine.
Celebrating the impact of our National Cultural Institutions
The latest findings about the trends and impact of Australia’s National Cultural Institutions have been released.
Regional arts projects to receive funding boost
Forty-four new arts projects will share in over $1 million thanks to the Regional Arts Fund.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Visions of Australia
Published: 9 Sep 2016 FAQ covering funding, eligibility, assessment criteria, application and assessment process, privacy and complaints mechanism. frequently_asked_questions_mh.docx (DOCX, 754.43 KB) frequently_asked_questions_mh.pdf (PDF, 568.62 …
PublicationCultural Gifts Program—One-off approval for a valuer to value items outside approved classes
Published: 22 Jul 2022 Information for valuers seeking a one-off extension to the classes of item they are approved to value for the purposes of providing a valuation for a specific donation. …
PublicationCultural Gifts Program—Code of conduct for valuers
Published: 22 Jul 2022 This Code of Conduct governs valuers approved under the Cultural Gifts Program. The Code is consistent with, and supplements, the Cultural Gifts Program Guide issued by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional …
PublicationValuation certificate checklist
Published: 27 Jun 2019 This checklist is to assist approved valuers who are preparing valuations for donations submitted under the Cultural Gifts Program (CGP). cgp-checklist-for-completing-a-valuation-certificate.docx (DOCX, 744.19 KB) …
PublicationGuidelines for valuing entomological (insect) collections
Published: 27 Jun 2019 These guidelines should be referred to when valuing donations of entomological material under the CGP. cgp-guidelines-for-valuing-entomological-insect-collections.docx (DOCX, 744.67 KB) …
PublicationArts and cultural festivals back in action in regional Australia
Through the latest round of the Festivals Australia program, 15 innovative and inspiring projects will be supported by the Government. 6 Jan 2023 Disco and Wellsy perform at the Dashville Progress Society Spectacular. Photo courtesy of the Dashville …
NewsAustralian Government Policy on Indigenous Repatriation
Published: 20 Dec 2019 The Australian Government Policy on Indigenous Repatriation was established in 2011. In 2016, it was updated to reflect the change in department name. australian_government_policy_on_indigenous_repatriation.docx (DOCX, 780.81 KB) …
PublicationArts Access Australia—Project Accessibility Plan Template
Published: 21 Sep 2016 Arts Access Australia—Project Accessibility Plan Template for our funding programs. arts-access-australia-poject-accessibility_0.docx (DOCX, 166.95 KB) arts-access-australia-poject-accessibility_0.pdf (PDF, 239.46 …
Publication2020–21 Indigenous Languages and Arts program grant recipients
Published: 21 Jan 2021 2020-21-indigenous-languages-and-arts-program-grant-recipients-december-2020.docx (DOCX, 161.88 KB) 2020-21-indigenous-languages-and-arts-program-grant-recipients-december-2020.pdf (PDF, 485.79 …
PublicationCertificate of Donation—Cultural Gifts Program
Published: 13 Jan 2026 Subdivision 30-A of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. This form is to be completed by the donor (all persons with a legal interest in the items being donated) and signed by the authorised officer accepting the gift on behalf of …
PublicationFunding and support program archive
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