The Australian Government has today released two reports highlighting the significant contribution the cultural and creative sector is making to the economy and examining its trends post-COVID.

Dancer on stage.

The research conducted by the Bureau of Communications, Arts and Regional Research found that cultural and creative activity contributed $63.7 billion to Australia's economy in 2022–23.

This is an increase of 62 per cent over the last 15 years and equates to 2.5 per cent of Australia's GDP in 2022–23.

Cultural and creative industries employed approximately 282,000 workers in 2021 and in 2022–23 businesses within the cultural and creative industries numbered more than 95,700—accounting for 3.7 per cent of all businesses in Australia.

The Cultural and creative activity in Australia 2008–09 to 2022–23 statistical working paper was developed using an updated methodology for measuring cultural and creative activity to more accurately reflect the contribution of this important activity. This was a key action of Revive, Australia's National Cultural Policy, and will assist the Government with future targeted investment.

A companion report, Analysis of the Cultural and Creative sector—Revive: Sectoral analysis, found that while cultural and creative activity had rebounded post COVID restrictions, attendance at cultural venues and events is still lower than before COVID.

The report also found that in 2024, over 1,000 registered First Nations businesses were operating within arts and heritage industries, accounting for roughly 20 per cent of all First Nations businesses.

For a copy of Cultural and creative activity in Australia 2008–09 to 2022–23 and Analysis of the Cultural and Creative sector—Revive: Sectoral analysis, please visit Bureau of Communications, Arts and Regional Research | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.