Advocacy and
research

We advocate for the social, cultural and economic value of the arts and creativity.

We conduct research and analysis that deepens understanding of the role and value of arts and creativity.

Arts and culture are a public good and Australians increasingly recognise their positive impacts in our lives and communities.¹

Experiencing arts and culture is not a pastime of the elite: 98% of Australians already are engaging in many ways.²

However, many have tended to think of cultural investment only as ‘support for artists’, rather than as a vital investment in the wellbeing and prosperity of our whole community. There remains work to be done to shift public perception about the breadth of arts and culture so that the benefits of a well-supported cultural sector flow freely to our communities.

Our research also tells us that inequalities remain in the ways Australians attend cultural events, including in relation to income and disability.³ Cultural inclusion is vital to the health, wellbeing and prosperity of Australian communities and for generations to come.

Everyone derives value from experiencing art, whether through our own creative expression or through experiencing the creative work of others.

The emotional, mental and social benefits of arts experience are countless and well documented: from increased understanding of each other, stronger critical thinking skills, mental wellbeing and decreased stress levels; to significant public benefits such as social connection, expression of self and community identity, healthy childhood development and healthy ageing.

^{1, 2, 3} Australia Council 2020, Creating Our Future: Results of the National Arts Participation Survey.