Nearly every Australian engages with arts and culture. Politicians should pay attention
Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Creative Australia shows that the vast majority of Australians engage with arts and culture. The author argues that politicians should prioritize cultural funding given its high level of public participation.
Why it matters
The article highlights the disconnect between public interest in arts and political policy, suggesting that cultural engagement is a significant but under-represented political issue.
River Night Walk at SALA Festival 2026, featuring Night Walkers works by Amigo & Amigo. Saige Prime Nearly every Australian engages with arts and culture. Politicians should pay attention Published: August 24, 2026 12:42am EDT https://theconversation.com/nearly-every-australian-engages-with-arts-and-culture-politicians-should-pay-attention-289514 https://theconversation.com/nearly-every-australian-engages-with-arts-and-culture-politicians-should-pay-attention-289514 Link copied Share article Share article
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Culture is a vital part of many people’s lives. This is the view afforded by the latest data on cultural participation from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Creative Australia and Screen Australia .
It shows a landscape of cultural participation that takes in nearly every part of the community, across a dizzying diversity of artforms and audiences.
The ABS’s General Social Survey is a long-running survey of participation and attendance in cultural events and activities, collected roughly every five years.
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