Six critical strategies for Australia's next national cultural policy
Kate Larsen argues that Australia's current national cultural policy, 'Revive', while a necessary first step, has not improved conditions for artists and cultural workers, which have worsened since its launch. She outlines six strategies for the next iteration: a whole-of-government approach, recommitment to civic infrastructure, aligned and proportionate investment, non-partisan collaboration, pluralism over censorship, and climate responsibility. Larsen notes that federal arts expenditure is at a record low of $114 per capita, placing Australia in the bottom quarter of OECD countries. She criticizes the consultation process for using AI tools, undermining environmental goals. The public consultation closes 24 May.
Key facts
- Revive was Australia's first national cultural policy in 29 years to last more than six months.
- 75 of 85 funded strategies from Revive are already underway.
- Conditions for artists and cultural workers have worsened since Revive's launch.
- Federal arts expenditure in 2023-24 was $114 per capita, the lowest on record.
- Australia is in the bottom quarter of OECD countries for arts investment.
- State and Territory Government expenditure (39%) now outpaces Federal (36%) for the first time.
- 66 Australian arts organizations have been accused of censorship between 2023 and 2026.
- The Office for the Arts will use AI tools to manage consultation submissions.
- Public consultation closes 24 May.
- Kate Larsen is a writer and arts consultant with 25 years' experience.
Entities
Artists
- Kate Larsen
- Justin O'Connor
- Emil J Kang
- Esther Anatolitis
- Penelope Benton
- Nicole Beyer
- Tony Burke
Institutions
- ArtsHub
- ScreenHub
- A New Approach
- Office for the Arts
- OECD
- NDIS
- Creative Climate consortium
- The Australian Ballet
- The Conversation
Locations
- Australia
- Greater Sydney
- Sydney
- Victoria
- UK
- Asia