Australia first country to use new UNESCO framework to model its arts and culture system 

The latest work from national arts and culture think tank A New Approach (ANA) makes Australia the first country worldwide to apply the new UNESCO Cultural Value-Generation Model to its arts and culture system.

In The arts, culture and creativity system in Australia: How it ticks, ANA models how the arts and culture system is organised, governed and developed to assist system leaders to understand their role, and how to leverage resources for the benefit of the Australian community.

Kate Fielding, CEO of ANA, said that “While Australia is an island, our arts and culture organisations and audiences are also connected to the rest of the world. Our evidence-based explainer shows how all parts of the arts and culture system connect, from broad and grassroots to specialised and elite”. 

The report shows that the system has clear structures for creation and production, dissemination and consumption, and preservation and transmission. It also highlights how cultural literacy and creative skills building occur across the population through education, training and practice. 

“This work helps government, industry and investment leaders to expertly navigate the system and confidently generate measurable cultural, social and economic value for all Australians,” said Ms Fielding. 

The report uses systems thinking to consider the complex policy problems Australia is grappling with across the arts and culture system and to help identify where small changes can make big differences. 

“The most powerful lever we have in the arts and culture system is changing mindsets about what arts and culture is and what it can achieve for Australia’s prosperity, now and for the long term. 

“We can use this knowledge to inform an effective and enduring national strategy on arts and culture, helping Australia secure its place as a cultural powerhouse,” said Ms Fielding.