A New Approach (ANA) welcomes opportunities for arts and culture in 2026–27 Budget

National arts and culture think tank A New Approach (ANA) today welcomed the opportunities for Australian culture and creativity delivered in the Federal Budget 2026–27 which included:

• $14 million for Creative Australia to continue the implementation of the National Cultural Policy Revive, notably, new programs for Music Australia and First Nations Arts
• $23 million across three years to support three National Collecting Institutions – the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, the National Maritime Museum and Old Parliament House
• Funding for major cultural infrastructure projects including Melbourne Arts Precinct’s contemporary art museum, a new Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Perth and two Holocaust museums in Queensland and Tasmania.

Chair of ANA Rupert Myer AO commended the federal government for the ongoing support to deliver the existing National Cultural Policy and is looking forward to increased funds for its successor next year. With recent data showing states and territories are outpacing the federal government’s expenditure in arts and culture, it is critical that the next version of Revive is backed by a long-term vision for our nation, appropriate funding and genuine partnership with states, territories and local governments.

“While this Budget recognises the role of arts and cultural activities in bringing people and communities together, more needs to be done,” Mr Myer said.  “The next National Cultural Policy provides the opportunity for cross-government collaboration and a long-term, multi-partisan and cross-portfolio approach.”

Mr Myer said ANA has begun actively participating in the consultation process for the new National Cultural Policy, including conducting roundtable discussions with creative leaders and organisations.

“The consultation process gives a voice to creators, cultural organisations and audiences in helping to shape the framework that will support a vibrant and sustainable cultural future,” Mr Myer said. “Culture and creativity are core drivers of national advantage and flourishing people. We are confident that together we can create a robust arts and culture system that delivers for all Australians.”

ANA’s latest update of The Big Picture: Expenditure on Artistic, Cultural and Creative Activity by governments in Australia in 2007–08 to 2023–24 showed combined state and territory investment reached 39% of the total spend in 2023–24, while federal investment was 36%. Of this, 18% of the overall arts and culture investment was allocated to capital expenditure.