Pathways to becoming a cultural powerhouse: Perspectives for impact in arts, culture and creativity 

Key Findings 

Cultural powerhouse nations plan, report and evaluate for impact

Brazil, France and South Korea illustrate foundational approaches to arts and culture that ensure commitments translate into tangible actions and impacts. South Korea demonstrates how sustaining cultural policy and investing in cultural relations can open a nation to the world. France’s integration and evaluation of cultural expenditure across portfolios highlight the importance of planning for impact. And Brazil provides strong insights into how planning and policy are essential for sustaining the impacts of arts, cultural and creative activities, including social cohesion impacts, from events like the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Brisbane 2032 can accelerate Australia’s cultural powerhouse journey

Preparations are well underway for Brisbane 2032, set to be the most impactful sports and cultural event for the next generation of Australians. Brisbane 2032 presents an opportunity for Australia to build on current and recent efforts to unlock the benefits of arts and culture.

Australia should examine overseas successes and shortcomings when planning its cultural relations future

Right across Australia’s federal, state and territory jurisdictions, arts and culture policies are in place and continue being developed. This positions Australia well to take the overdue step of better coordinating and pursuing cultural relations opportunities.

Key Opportunities 

Opportunity 1

Noting that cultural powerhouse nations plan, report and evaluate for impact

The Commonwealth, in concert with other levels of government, should develop a National Cultural Plan or Strategy, modelled on the successive National Sports Plans and Strategies. This would build the foundation for the Commonwealth’s strategic collaboration with governments, industry, philanthropy and business.

Opportunity 2

Noting Brisbane 2032’s potential to accelerate Australia’s cultural powerhouse journey

Cultural ministers at all levels should form agreements between jurisdictions to pursue and deliver:

• The four-year cultural programme for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics Games and
• The arts, culture and creativity outcomes outlined in the Brisbane 2032 legacy strategy Elevate 2042, including capacity building in collaboration with other relevant ministers to deliver and evaluate impacts
  on social cohesion, wellbeing and social inclusion.

This opportunity should be pursued through a national partnership agreement formalised by a Ministerial Council as part of National Cabinet. This agreement should align with the National Cultural Plan or Strategy
identified above, if also pursued.

Opportunity 3

Noting that Australia should examine overseas successes and shortcomings when planning its cultural relations future and recognising that among the 15 largest world economies, Australia and Canada are the
only countries without a dedicated international cultural relations institution (CRI) (with Canada exploring establishing one)

The Commonwealth should explore options for establishing an Australian international CRI as an initial step. This study should:

• Survey existing Australian cultural relations activities, including their underlying objectives across various
  government agencies and arts and culture organisations (including those not government-funded),
• Conduct case studies of selected overseas CRIs to identify relevant policy objectives and activities for
  Australia and
• Recommend two or more models for a CRI that Australia could consider and implement.