Nearly Every Australian Engages with Arts and Culture – Politicians Should Pay Attention
Recent findings from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Creative Australia, and Screen Australia reveal that a significant portion of the Australian population engages with the arts, challenging the notion that funding for the arts is unwelcome. In 2025, over 22 million Australians aged 15 and older took part in cultural activities, with nearly 13 million visiting cinemas and more than 10 million attending concerts. According to Creative Australia's survey, 19.5 million listened to recorded music, while 15.4 million went to live performances. Public backing for the arts remains robust, as 74% of respondents recognize artists' societal contributions. Nonetheless, 55% mention ticket costs as an obstacle, and support for First Nations arts has dropped from 75% in 2019 to 71% in 2025. Authors Ben Eltham, Justin O'Connor, and Tully Barnett call on politicians to acknowledge these insights.
Key facts
- At least 22 million Australians aged 15+ engaged with culture in 2025.
- Nearly 13 million visited the cinema; over 10 million attended concerts; over 7 million visited museums; over 6 million went to libraries or art galleries.
- AFL total live attendance was 8.25 million in 2025.
- 19.5 million listened to recorded music; 15.4 million attended live cultural events; over 14 million read for pleasure.
- Live performance attendance increased by 1.2 million since 2022 to record highs.
- 69% of Australians read for pleasure; young readers (15-24) are reading more frequently.
- 74% say artists contribute to society; 71% agree cultural experiences enrich life; 62% support public funding.
- 86% of parents say their child participates in arts education; 65% rate children's access as top priority for public funding.
- 55% cite cost as a barrier to attending events.
- Support for First Nations arts among non-Indigenous Australians declined from 75% in 2019 to 71% in 2025.
Entities
Artists
- Ben Eltham
- Justin O'Connor
- Tully Barnett
Institutions
- Australian Bureau of Statistics
- Creative Australia
- Screen Australia
- Australian Football League
- Monash University
- Adelaide University
- The Conversation
Locations
- Australia