The Federal Government has opened submissions for its next National Cultural Policy, encouraging those working within the arts to provide their expertise.
The new National Cultural Policy will continue to focus on five key pillars – First Nations First, A Place for Every Story, Centrality of the Artist, Strong Cultural Infrastructure, and Engaging the Audience – but with an additional desire to respond to the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The Federal Government announcement said the new policy aims to ‘address gaps, respond to emerging priorities, and provide a clear framework to support a vibrant and sustainable cultural future’. The intention is to ‘set a clear direction for the coming years and guide how [the government will] support creativity, cultural expression and participation across the nation’.
New National Cultural Policy – quick links
Why a new National Cultural Policy is being developed
The public consultation paper for the new National Cultural Policy has now been released.
It will succeed 2023’s five-year policy, Revive. According to the Federal Government, 75 of the 85 announced actions in Revive have now been delivered. set out during its launch. That includes supporting industry growth with targeted investments, the release of new national frameworks for inclusivity and representation of d/Deaf and disabled artists, the introduction of a new Digital Games Tax Offset and the establishment of Australian content requirements for streaming services.
Looking to the future, the Australian Government is looking to expand this impact, while also reckoning with major changes to how creative work is produced and discovered.
The consultation paper states: ‘Digital tools and platforms are changing how creative work is produced, distributed and discovered. This is expanding access while also raising questions about authenticity, creative rights and fair remuneration.
‘Audiences are engaging across live, digital and hybrid experiences, with expectations around access, discoverability and participation also continuing to evolve. At the same time, rising costs and financial pressures are highlighting the importance of resilient systems and infrastructure.’
The paper highlights that cultural participation remains an essential part in how people connect and share experiences, and that this must be protected.
How to have your say in the new National Cultural Policy
Creating a sustainable arts industry – where all Australians have the opportunity to access and participate in arts and culture, and where artists and arts workers have sustainable livelihoods with fair pay and safe and inclusive workplaces – will depend on a robust National Cultural Policy, guided by submissions from workers and industry experts.
The two-month consultation period is now open. To make a submission, read the consultation paper and then complete the online form or upload a written statement.
The consultation period closes at 11.59pm AEST on 24 May 2026.
Town hall sessions about the new National Cultural Policy will also be announced in due course.
As the needs of the arts industries change, and as those working across screen, games, art, music, and other industries work towards more sustainable futures – even in light of challenges like the economic downturn, the rise of AI and threats to copyright – having your say is important, to inform what comes next.
