We protect national and international movable cultural heritage: we regulate exports and imports, and help museums, galleries and libraries acquire important cultural material. We help repatriate Indigenous ancestral remains and cultural material.

Cultural Gifts Program

The Cultural Gifts Program offers tax incentives to encourage people to donate cultural items to public art galleries, museums, libraries and archives.

Indigenous Repatriation

The Australian Government supports the repatriation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains (ancestors) and secret sacred objects (objects) which contributes to healing and reconciliation.

Movable cultural heritage

Cultural material bought in Australia or overseas is protected by laws. Our role is to help you make sure that you buy, sell, import or export cultural objects legally.

2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions

Australia is a party to the UNESCO Convention to protect and promote the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

Latest news

Eleven out of 17 archaeological objects returned to Egypt, including a significant wooden statue of the goddess Isis.

Archaeological objects returned to Egypt

Seventeen Egyptian artefacts have been formally returned to the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt in a handover held at the Australian Parliament House.

Sidney Nolan, Soldier on the Beach, 1962. Collection of Bendigo Art Gallery.

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.

Moonda Nurra performance at Festival of Outback Skies in Hughenden, Queensland. A large golden puppet snake is shown over a crowd at night.

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.

A green cricketer’s cap featuring a woven Australia emblem on the front with the dates 1946-47.

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.

2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions
Australia is a party to the UNESCO Convention to protect and promote the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.
  • Cultural heritage