Growing numbers of Australians are agreeing that arts and creativity build social cohesion and support health, education and the future economy, according to new research from Australian Council of the Arts.
The Council said its report, Creating Our Future: Results of the National Arts Participation Survey, shows Australians are increasingly recognising the vital role of arts and creativity in almost every aspect of their lives, from education to mental health to strengthening local economies.
“The research shows Australia is a creative nation,” the Council said.
“Nearly every Australian – 98 per cent of us – engage with arts and culture,” it said.
“An increasing majority of Australians acknowledge the positive impacts of arts and creativity on our lives and our communities (84 per cent up from 75 per cent in 2016),” it said.
The Council said its report, conducted immediately prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, was the fourth in a landmark series that spanned over a decade and examined Australians’ attitudes toward, and engagement with, arts and culture.
Executive Director, Advocacy and Development at the Australian Council of the Arts, Wendy Were said the report underscored the enormous social, cultural and economic value of the arts to all Australians.
“This research shows just what is at stake, and highlights the crucial role of arts and creativity as we seek to bring life back into our cities, regions, and economy,” Dr Were said.
“The research also shows more Australians support public funding for the arts (63 per cent, up 12 percentage points) and have clear priorities for investment, including ensuring access to the arts and creative experiences for young people to support learning and development,” she said.
Dr Were said many of the survey results highlighted the critical role of arts and creativity for Australia’s future success, through contributions to child development, education, local businesses and skills for the future.
The Council’s 202-page survey report can be accessed at this PS News link.
