This report explains the system that delivers arts and cultural experiences in Australia, from broad and grassroots through to specialised and professional. It demonstrates how the arts and culture system is organised, governed and developed. The report also highlights how cultural literacy and creative skills building occur across the population.

This report showcases practical actions governments can take, beyond direct cultural funding, to support cultural access and strengthen creative industries. The report identifies eight ‘pro-culture’ enablers – uniquely available to governments – to make it easier for creators to work, creative businesses to operate, and consumers to access experiences and products.

This report shows that creative and cultural engagement provides an unexpected edge to respond to Australia’s deepest challenges. It brings together new insights about the impacts of culture and creativity for these key public policy discussions, and presents opportunities for stakeholders to harness the benefits of creative and cultural engagement across Australia.

This report demonstrates how partnerships help to ensure that all Australians can access and enjoy cultural and creative experiences, even in these tough times. It explores pathways for effective collaboration to help the cultural sector to evolve, meet future demands and drive social, cultural and economic benefits now and into the future.

The five opportunities outlined in this 2024 report draw on the evidence and analysis by ANA of available data, as well as a broader ambition for more effective collaboration and coordination, improved transparency through reporting and effective investment that secures cultural and creative opportunities in Australia.