The Australian Government is developing a new National Cultural Policy to shape the future direction of the creative and cultural sector.

Building on the success of Revive: A place for every story, a story for every place, the new policy will address gaps, respond to emerging priorities, and provide a clear framework to support a vibrant and sustainable cultural future. It will set a clear direction for the coming years and guide how we support creativity, cultural expression and participation across the nation.

The policy will continue to be structured around the 5 pillars first set out in Revive:

  1. First Nations First
  2. A Place for Every Story
  3. Centrality of the Artist
  4. Strong Cultural Infrastructure
  5. Engaging the Audience

Public consultation

Between 23 March 2026 and 24 May 2026, Australians were invited to share their views and help guide the next National Cultural Policy.

What’s next?

Office for the Arts staff are reviewing submissions received during the consultation process. You can read public submissions on our have your say page.

Five Expert Panels and a Policy Advisory Group have been appointed to help inform the public consultation.

To read about the role Expert Panels and the Policy Advisory Group play in the National Cultural Policy consultation, visit Expert Panels and the Policy Advisory Group.

Contact

If you have any questions on the next National Cultural Policy, email culturalpolicy@arts.gov.au.

You can also call us on 1800 248 025 during standard business hours (AEST).

Stay in the loop

  • Subscribe for updates on the National Cultural Policy.
  • Follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Join the conversation using #CulturalPolicy
Two people on a set reviewing paperwork.

Public consultation paper

Read the public consultation paper.
Circus performers holding hands while standing on top of a structure outside with trees in the background.

Have your say

Submissions on the next National Cultural Policy have now closed. Read the public submissions.
Looking up at a stage with a First Nations singer and 2 performers in the rear. They are in colourful matching clothing.

First Nations consultation

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, cultural practitioners, organisations and communities are encouraged to make a submission.
Four dancers performing on stage with blue lighting. One dancer is in the foreground and 3 in the background.

Expert Panels and Policy Advisory Group

Learn about the 5 Expert Panels and Policy Advisory Group that are helping to shape the new National Cultural Policy.
Three copies of Revive fanned out in a display.

Revive: A place for every story, a story for every place

Read the current National Cultural Policy, Revive, and learn about its progress.