Aptly titled ‘A culturally ambitious nation’, Australia Council’s new Strategic Plan was launched yesterday by Senator George Brandis, Federal Arts Minister, at a well-attended event at the Sydney Opera House. In a sign of the significance of the document and the importance placed on it by the Federal Government, Julie Bishop, Foreign Minister joined Brandis at the launch.

In his welcome address Rupert Myer, Australia Council Chair reinforced that ambition is shared across the arts – by artists and audiences alike. He noted that these must be realised in partnership with all strata of government and community to enable Australia to lead and develop cultural ambition as a key characteristic of our national identity.

The plan emphasises the central role of artists and embraces a core understanding of the arts in our everyday lives. It speaks about the importance of artists in exercising freedom of expression, being fearless and taking risks in the development and presentation of their work.

The plan is built around 4 goals;

1          Australian arts are without borders

2          Australia is known for its great art and artists

3          The arts enrich daily life for all

4          Australians cherish Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture.

Accompanying the plan was an outline of the Australia Council’s new, simpler and easier funding model. Further presentations are planned around the country.

Would you like to read the Strategic Plan? 

Details of the new funding model can be found on the 2015 Grants page.