Canberra: Australia’s Arts Capital – Arts, Culture and Creative Policy 2022–2026 is a roadmap for Canberra to be recognised as Australia’s arts capital through the strategies Create, Develop and Promote.
Arts, culture and creativity in Canberra feature a rich variety of practices and practitioners, unique and historic places, national institutions and leading arts organisations.
The strengths, insights and ideas of Canberra’s arts, culture and creative sector contributed to this policy.
It applies to all areas of the ACT Government whose work impacts on or can be enhanced by the arts. It guides engagement with the local arts community and partners to deliver on the strategies.
Strategies and focus areas
This policy includes 10 focus areas under the strategies.
Elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultural and artistic practices is central to all three strategies. The ACT Government will build stronger partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to enhance outcomes that reflect Canberra’s unique culture and identity.
Create amazing art and culture – everywhere, at any time, for everyone:
- Strategic partnerships: Enhance outcomes for the Canberra arts sector and strengthen the ACT Government’s approach to investment in arts, culture and creative practices by working strategically and collaboratively.
- Venues and Precincts: Invest in sustainable and connected arts venues and precincts that support quality, engaging and innovative art that is accessible to all and enliven Canberra’s public spaces.
- Accessibility and inclusivity: Support arts practices that reflect Canberra’s diverse community and create an environment that is inclusive, safe and welcoming to all.
Develop arts, cultural and creative industry, practice and facilities – supporting creation and culture at all levels, via any path:
- Arts practice: Support arts practice to underpin cultural, social and economic outcomes for artists, arts workers and the broader community.
- Skills development: Invest in skills development and career pathways for artists and the creative workforce at any stage of their careers to build local talent and keep them here.
- Innovation and sustainability: Build on Canberra’s status as a clever, creative, connected and sustainable city by encouraging innovation, experimentation and cross-sector collaboration.
Promote our arts and culture – to attract artists and creators, arts workers, visitors and investment:
- Promotion: Promote the arts in Canberra to grow audiences locally, nationally and internationally, creating opportunities and new markets for Canberra artists, arts workers and arts organisations. Celebrate successes and demonstrate that Canberra is a place where talent can thrive.
- Cultural tourism: Facilitate cultural tourism opportunities for Canberra’s arts sector, to increase our visibility nationally and internationally.
- Research and data: Demonstrate and promote the cultural, social and economic impact of arts, culture and creative industries to inform investment and decision making.
Read the Policy
- Canberra: Australia's Arts Capital - Arts, Culture and Creative Policy 2022-26 (PDF 6.173 MB)
- Easy English Version (PDF 2.2 MB)
Image: Front cover of Canberra: Australia's Arts Capital - Arts, Culture and Creative Policy 2022-26 featuring Diane Cross working on a sculpture at Canberra Potters, Watson Arts Centre. Photo by Pew Pew Studio.
Action Plan
Canberra: Australia’s Arts Capital – Arts, Culture and Creative Policy 2022–2026 Action Plan outlines ongoing initiatives and targeted projects that implement the 10 focus areas to deliver on the strategies.
The Policy and Action Plan will be living documents. They will be reviewed from time to time to remain relevant to the sector’s needs.
Reviews will look at:
- changes within the documents
- the implemented actions and deliverables
- stakeholder feedback
- alignment with ACT Government priorities.
Some ongoing actions may also result in deliverables which will be added to and clearly defined in the Action Plan.
Read the Action Plan
- Canberra: Australia's Arts Capital - Arts, Culture and Creative Policy 2022-26 Action Plan (PDF 1.3 MB)
Image: Front cover of Canberra: Australia's Arts Capital - Arts, Culture and Creative Policy 2022-26 Action Plan featuring Beatrice Buckland-Willis working on a lino print at Megalo. Photo by Pew Pew Studio.
Action Plan Reporting
A year after its release, the Canberra: Australia’s Arts Capital – Arts, Culture and Creative Policy 2022-26 is making progress in supporting the local arts and creative sector. There has been significant progress against the action plan’s 82 actions, which includes ongoing initiatives and targeted projects.
The ACT Government has released the first Arts Policy Action Plan Report for 2022-23 detailing the implemented actions and deliverables achieved during its first year. The report also identifies where there are new actions. You can read the full report below.
- Arts Policy Action Plan 2022-23 Report (PDF 322KB)