Welcoming renewed investment in 2025–26 Budget to bring Australians together through arts and culture 

National arts and culture think tank A New Approach (ANA) today welcomes renewed investment in Australian arts and culture to deliver activities that bring people and communities together and improve access and inclusion.

CEO of ANA, Kate Fielding, stated that, importantly, the 2025-26 Budget reverses the decline in ‘arts and cultural heritage’ investment which was present in the 2024-25 Budget forward estimates.

“Compared to the forward estimates in last year’s Budget, the 2025-26 Budget shows ‘arts and cultural heritage’ will now get a bigger slice of the pie when it comes to Commonwealth support for ‘recreation and culture’. The proportion of ‘recreation and culture’ investment going to ‘arts and cultural heritage’ now more or less holds steady from 2025–26 to 2028–29 (at around 35% of ‘recreation and culture’), following a one-off spike in 2024–25 (40%)” said Ms Fielding.

The 2025–26 Budget included a further $8.6 million in 2025–26 to extend the Revive Live program to support Australian live music venues and festivals with a strong focus on activities that improve accessibility and inclusion.

Under social cohesion the 2025-26 Budget also included $2.5 million over three years from 2024-25 to support community organisations to deliver amenities, celebrations and achieve social and intercultural connections.

Ms Fielding stated that the focus on accessibility and inclusion in the extended Revive Live program and new investment in community celebrations are both examples of how arts and culture can help keep communities connected, even during times of social and economic pressure.

“All Australians, no matter who they are or where they live, should have access to arts and cultural activities that are meaningful to them. Our nationwide focus group study with everyday Australians told us that arts and culture are a foundation of community,” said Ms Fielding.

“This is supported by a recent Australian survey that found attending ‘events that bring people together such as fetes, shows, festivals or other community events’ is the highest contributor to community participation, other than spending time with family and friends.

“These investments are important at a time when social cohesion is being tested across our cities, suburbs and towns. However, there is more we can do. Australia needs a practical and collaborative national cultural strategy that brings together efforts at the federal, state and territory and local levels.”

Find out more about A New Approach (ANA)

Media enquiries: Alexandra Nichols 0431 468 665 or alexandra.nichols@newapproach.org.au