The third edition of Significance provides new and updated practical guidance for assessing and explaining the significance of cultural items and collections.

A collection of cultural items featured in the new version of Significance. Image credit: Ribbon Rock Country, Jack Britten, 2002, natural (Kimberley) ochres and binder on canvas, 45 x 70 cm. Red Rock Collection, Western Australian Museum.nce.
Image credit: Ribbon Rock Country, Jack Britten, 2002, natural (Kimberley) ochres and binder on canvas, 45 x 70 cm. Red Rock Collection, Western Australian Museum.

A new edition of Significance: a guide to assessing cultural collectionsis now available.

The third edition replaces Significance 2.0 (published 2009) andbuilds on the established Significance framework while reflecting contemporary collections and practices.

Significance was developed by the Office for the Arts in collaboration with sector experts and collecting organisations across Australia. The new edition provides updated practical guidance for assessing and explaining the significance of cultural items and collections. Importantly, it includes 40 new and expanded examples of significance assessments and other case studies supplied by diverse collecting institutions across the country.

Significance helps collecting organisations, professionals, community groups and private custodians understand why collections matter and make informed decisions about their care, interpretation and access.

The third edition includes:

  • new guidance on managing First Nations cultural heritage material and community consultation, supported by new examples of First Nations items and collections throughout the guide
  • updated assessment criteria and improvements to language and design
  • stronger recognition of collections relating to the diversity of the Australian community, including culturally and linguistically diverse communities
  • enhanced guidance on consultation, provenance and contemporary collection management.

The Significance framework has been used across the cultural heritage sector. It has influenced policies and processes in collecting organisations, formed the basis of grant programs and decisions on the management of our national cultural heritage,and served as a teaching tool in university courses.

The release of the third edition is an action under the Strong Cultural Infrastructure pillar of Revive—Australia's 5-year national cultural policy launched in 2023.

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Image credit: Ribbon Rock Country, Jack Britten, 2002, natural (Kimberley) ochres and binder on canvas, 45 x 70 cm. Red Rock Collection, Western Australian Museum.

Djan'djari figure, created by Fred Embrey (c.1880–1939), Kabi Kabi people, Queensland, Australia, 1930s, carved softwood with natural pigments, emu feathers bound with bush string and resin, 65.5 x 14 x 14 cm. Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. Purchased 2020 with funds from the Mather Foundation through the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation.

Sailor cap, navy blue and white sailor's hat, no brim, with the words 'HMAS Sydney.' Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (S2011.19).