Cultivating Creativity: A study of the Sydney Opera House’s Creative Leadership in Learning Program in schools

Cultivating Creativity: A study of the Sydney Opera House’s Creative Leadership in Learning Program in schools is the result of a research partnership between the Australia Council for the Arts and Sydney Opera House.

The report provides powerful evidence of the ways in which creative learning approaches can build confidence, improve academic engagement, positively impact the culture of a school and enhance a sense of community.  

The research also demonstrates the value of arts and creative activities for anticipating times of challenge and change. Creative methodologies can equip both students and the teaching community with the skills and capabilities required to meet difference, difficulty and the previously unimaginable with confidence. 

We’re inviting applications from emerging and mid-career artists who are interested in interdisciplinary practice and paradigm-shifting collaboration. The focus of this project is to extend networks beyond geographical boundaries through sharing of resources, artist-led pedagogy, peer exchange, research and engagement designed to enrich the artistic process  and enable the potential for new projects to be seeded.

In Conversation with the Australia Council: watch the first season

Over three nights we engaged with experts exploring social cohesion, mental health and wellbeing, economic recovery and more, in our new series In Conversation with the Australia Council series.

In Episode 1 George Megalogenis and Dr Wendy Were explore the economic, social and cultural value of creativity for all Australians.

Georgie Harman, CEO, Beyond Blue and Adrian Collette AM discuss the arts and the mental health sectors' joint goals in episode 2, sharing examples of how working collaboratively can help to meet major challenges regarding ageing, loneliness, long term conditions and mental health.

Join Shane Fitzsimmons and Lydia Miller in episode 3 as they examine how in rebuilding, recovery and resilience, creativity can connect us and help us ensure our nation’s future success. One year on from the devastating 2019-20 Australian bushfires, and amid the continuing challenge of the global pandemic, arts and creativity have been crucial to the recovery of our communities.

Protocols for using First Nations Intellectual and Cultural Property in the Arts

First published in 2002 and revised in 2007, this protocol guide endorses the rights of Indigenous people to their cultural heritage and supports Indigenous creative practice. This protocol guide encourages self-determination and helps build a strong and diverse Indigenous arts sector. These are key goals and priority areas of the Australia Council for the Arts.

Creative practitioners who work with Indigenous artists or engage with Indigenous cultural heritage in projects, and are funded by Australia Council for the Arts grant assessment panels are required to comply with this protocol guide as a condition of funding.

Over the years, the principles and protocols contained in this protocol guide have also been applied nationally and internationally – educating readers and users on Indigenous Australian cultural heritage, and encouraging meaningful collaborations with Indigenous artists and creators.

Survey for First Nations Music Artists

How do First Nations musicians feel about the music industry? What is working? What could be improved on in the music business in relation to their cultural practice and community responsibilities?

First Nations music plays a vital role in Australia’s music identity. At this critical time, it is essential that  the voices of First Nation musicians – custodians of the oldest musical practice in the world – are at the centre of dialogue and decision-making to ensure opportunities for the sector continue to grow and thrive, so the next generation can participate in a cultural future.

The results of the Survey of First Nations Music Artists provide much needed insights into the strengths, challenges and needs of the sector. The responses gathered can provide insights to inform the music industry as it recovers, rebuilds and looks to the future – a future in which First Nations talent and artistry is nurtured, celebrated and central in the music industry and Australia’s culture.

Re-imagine: What next?

The COVID-19 pandemic has completely disrupted the arts and cultural industries. The pandemic has illuminated pressures we were already feeling. It is bringing to light aspects of our industry many have long wanted to change, along with new issues we are now being forced to address.

Future disruptions are inevitable, and the arts and cultural industries must rapidly adjust to ensure they don’t just survive but thrive in the future.

We have heard from many artists, cultural practitioners and organisations through industry roundtables, surveys, informal conversations and focus groups. We have heard from you as you deal with and respond to the immediate crisis, and whilst you consider how to start thinking productively about the future.

COVID-19 Audience Outlook Monitor: Phase 3

The Australia Council is working with Patternmakers and WolfBrown to understand changes in behaviours and sentiments of arts-goers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This tracking study is designed to support important decision-making and forward planning across the sector in the coming months. 

Baseline data was collected in a cross-sector collaborative survey process involving 159 arts and culture organisations, including museums, galleries, performing arts organisations and festivals. 

The disability factsheet is now available.