Our commitment
to diversity

Since our establishment in 1968 (as the Australia Council for the Arts), we have developed policies, strategies and programs which aim to ensure opportunities to enjoy and participate in the arts are not constrained by an individual’s background or life circumstances.

There is a wealth of artistic and cultural skills, experience and resources that result from Australia’s diversity. We are committed to ensuring these are given the opportunity to develop, flourish and contribute to a distinctly Australian style of artistic excellence and innovation.

Over time we have introduced a range of policies and strategies focusing on specific demographics and other identity markers.

We regularly reflect on how our strategies, policies and initiatives are relevant and effective in a 21st century context, and how they intersect with the multiplicity of identities across our nation.

In 2007 we announced our Cultural Engagement Framework (CEF), aimed at ensuring equity of access to our grants and initiatives.

Our focus on diversity was reaffirmed within the functions of the Australia Council Act 2013, including a function to support Australian arts practice that reflects the diversity of Australia. Further development of the CEF was undertaken through significant reform work in 2014-15.

In 2016 we reaffirmed our commitment to the CEF, including updating the priority areas to include a focus on older people. We have also refreshed the Diversity Team – a group within the organisation that guides the planning and monitoring of strategies to embed the CEF across every aspect of our work.

Implementation of the CEF is a responsibility shared across all divisions and teams. This process is led by the CEO and Executive, with guidance from the Diversity Team.

We are also committed to calling upon the expertise of people within the sector, and we undertake consultation when appropriate to measure our performance and assist us in updating our CEF strategies and action plans. We provide updates on achievements and performance on the CEF through our website and annual report.

We have also published a range of research reports about diversity and equity.