Our
grants program supports a diverse range of artists, organisations, artistic
practice and arts activity. Visit our grants page for more information.
Bruce Pascoe’s award winning non-fiction book Dark Emu, published in 2014, is a monumental work of scholarship that disproved the long-held myth that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were nomadic hunter gatherers before European colonisation
Graham Akhurst is on a path of self- leadership, empowered by the transformational skills and techniques learnt through the Australia Council’s Future Leaders Program. Brisbane born Graham is now on his way to Manhattan New York, to share the stories of his people through his literary craft.
'We know that art can reshape our perspective and transform lives in unexpected ways. The arts build social cohesion. They give us narratives to navigate our world.'
Tony Grybowski, Former Chief Executive Officer, Australia Council for the Arts
Australia Council for the Arts supports composers, musicians and organisations to create new music and present it to audiences. Our goal is to reflect and promote the diversity, excellence and energy of contemporary Australian musical culture.
This page provides important information for artists in the Australian music scene, such as reports on recent successful grant applications, upcoming industry events and current research relating to the music sector.
Liza Lim has been described as one of the leading composers of her generation. Born in Australia to Chinese parents and educated in Australia and Brunei, Liza’s work draws from diverse cultural influences, including Asian ritual culture and the aesthetics of Indigenous Art.
Her music has been performed by some of the best ensembles and orchestras and featured at festivals throughout the world.
She is currently Professor of Composition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music where she leads the Composing Women program.
The Australia Council Don Banks Music Award honours a distinguished artist aged over 50 who has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to music in Australia. It is named in honour of Don Banks, acclaimed Australian composer, performer and the first Chair of the Music Board.
Past award recipients include Lyn Williams OAM (2017), Brett Dean (2016), Archie Roach AM (2015), Mike Nock (2014) and Kev Carmody (2013).
One of Australia’s most celebrated and internationally profiled contemporary artists, Angelica Mesiti works across video, performance and installation. Her practice is characterised by large-scale video and sound works.
The Australia Council has a long and proud history of partnering with philanthropic foundations, corporations and individual donors to co-invest in the arts. Together we have realised unforgettable creative experiences.
The arts matter. They are intrinsic to the individual lives of all Australians, our communities, our society, our futures. 10,101 new artworks were created and 609 organisations were funded through the Australia Council in 2017–18.
The 2016-17 Australia Council for the Arts Annual Report outlines key achievements and outcomes during the second full year of activity under its Strategic Plan.
International residencies provide a unique opportunity for artists to immerse themselves in a new arts context, market, community and culture. The experience enables artists to articulate their practice within a global context.
The Australia Council for the Arts has released new research which examines the economic conditions faced by practising professional artists in Australia and their increasing value to society and the future of work.
This survey is the third in a landmark series by the Australia Council for the Arts, following editions in 2009 and 2013. It measures Australians’ engagement with the arts in 2016.
