Art & Culture - a multicultural mosaic

The arts enrich our lives
A measure of any civilisation is the excellence of its artistic achievements. Australia is an artistically rich nation. The arts give us a sense of pride and improve the quality of our daily lives. They speak to Australians, and the world, about Australia. Our country has recently undergone a renaissance in the arts. Since the 1960s the number of artists and arts workers has tripled and there are now four times as many arts companies. The arts of Indigenous Australians are valued and supported and contribute to the richness and diversity that is contemporary Australian culture. The arts contribute substantially to our intel-lectual and cultural life, to our leisure time, and to our economy through employ-ment, tourism, taxes and export dollars. The arts are fundamental to the daily life and prosperity of our nation.

The arts are in demand
Australians love of the arts has grown dramatically with a recent 30% surge in household spending on arts, culture and entertainment. From the high altitude thrills of the circus to the eclectic sounds of jazz, from the inspiring words of our writers to the excitement of Indigenous rhythms, from the textures of our crafts to the awakening of community creativity. Australia offers a wealth of arts that excites and surprises.

Demand for our arts and entertainment now outweighs even football and cricket. More than 80% of Australians attend a cultural activity compared to 45% who go to a sporting event. Each year more than 7 million Australians enjoy performances and 3 million crowd through our galleries. We are avid readers of Australian books.

Our enthusiasm for learning a creative skill grew with a 45% rise in enrolments in arts courses from 1989 to 1994. And millions of Australians practise an artform for sheer pleasure.

Contemporary Australian art is recognised for its originality. Our artists are in demand across the world. The arts put Australia on the overseas tourist and trade map, creating international goodwill and a positive image of a vibrant thriving nation.

The arts are big business
The arts are experiencing real growth and becoming a major employer, contributing substantially to our economy. Our arts and culture related sector is now valued at $19billion annually. It's an industry as big as the road transport or house building industry. Seven per cent of Australia's workforce - 500,000 people now earn some income from arts work. The arts attract valuable foreign investment and exports - international visitors to Australia alone spend $65million a year on Aboriginal arts and crafts. Foreign tourists are attracted by our culture and spend over $200 million ($70each) on culture and entertainment.

Information provided by:
The Australia Council
Phone: +612 9215 9000 Toll Free: 1800 226 912
Website: www.ozco.gov.au