Queensland Parliament Inquiry into Social Isolation and Loneliness

Evidence for arts, culture and creativity supporting reduced social isolation and loneliness

This submission outlines evidence for arts, culture and creativity supporting reduced social isolation and loneliness in Queensland and puts forward opportunities for consideration by the Committee. It draws from ANA’s review of the national and international evidence as well as new qualitative research with young and middle-aged ‘middle Australians.’

The Issue: Across Australia, including in Queensland, people are reporting increased feelings of loneliness and social isolation as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

One in four Australians reported frequent feelings of loneliness, and the risks of premature death due to loneliness and social isolation have been found to be as big or bigger than obesity, smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, or air pollution. It is widely acknowledged that this has a serious impact on the physical and mental health of many Australians, and that many Queenslanders at risk of loneliness—such as seniors, young people, people with mental illness and people with disability—are increasingly vulnerable.

State-level solution: Targeted investment that supports statewide access to arts and cultural experiences in metropolitan, regional and remote communities.

National-level solution: Develop a National Plan for Arts, Culture and Creativity to establish an equitable framework to support industry recovery and growth, employment and innovation for the benefit of all Australians.

In research conducted by ANA in 2020 with middle Australians and then in 2021 with young middle Australians, the evidence was clear that arts and culture are central to daily life. Both groups reported that arts and culture build community connection, reduce social isolation, and improve health outcomes. They also felt strongly that access should not be dependent on where you live.

Now in a time of crisis, arts and culture are more critical than ever. Research shows that, during and following major crises, effective arts and cultural activities are those that aim to reconnect affected communities, strengthen people’s connection to place, provide opportunities for reflection and commemoration, and foster a shared sense of hope and optimism. A systematic and strategic approach to developing a strong, rich cultural life that brings people together and strengthens communities is required.

For the full text of this submission, download the PDF.