The Australia Council is pleased to release our new International Engagement Strategy 2021-2025.
The strategy has been informed by national and international sector consultation, and an evaluation of the activity delivered under the Australia Council’s International Arts Strategy 2015-2020.
Read and download the strategy here.
Read our Impact Report here, which presents findings and insights from the evaluation.
We are committed to supporting Australian artists, creative workers and organisations to build and sustain international connections. Our work expands opportunities for engagement through hybrid and online activities while international travel is restricted.
Our vision is for Australian arts, culture and creativity to be thriving and to be known globally for its innovation, sustainability, complexity and diversity.
Our work strengthens the international profile, reputation, influence, and capability of the Australian cultural and creative sector. We aim to increase the discoverability, access and distribution of Australian cultural and creative content internationally and build the capability of artists to operate successfully in international contexts.
We deliver strong and purposeful advocacy for artists, and creative and market opportunities that create value. We foster people-to-people connections, and create opportunities for cultural exchange, expertise and knowledge sharing to showcase Australian creativity, culture and identity.
The priorities of the new strategy are, to:
- rethink and expand the concept of mobility through testing dynamic engagement models that include digital, hybrid and in-person connection
- leverage technologies and digital platforms for creation, distribution, networking, and increasing discoverability of Australian work
- activate borderless thinking to build reciprocal and multilateral partnerships across regions and industries, and leverage co-investment
- strengthen First Nations exchange that is First Nations-led and self-determined
- amplify Asia Pacific engagement, and the perspectives of the Asia Pacific diaspora in Australia
- diversify income and revenue streams to foster sustainable careers and business models by increasing access to markets, information and networks and showcase Australian work to global audiences and influencers
- foster risk-taking, experimentation and innovation in creation, distribution, connection and profile-building
- centre equity and access and reflect Australia’s diversity
- embed sustainability through research and investment in best-practice models and frameworks to minimise the sector’s carbon footprint.
Underpinned by the Australia Council’s Corporate Plan priorities, our work is responsive to emergent issues, trends, practices, circumstances and disruption; and to industry needs.
Contact
For International Engagement Strategy enquiries:
international@australiacouncil.gov.au
If you are an Australian artist or arts worker overseas, please contact us if you need to discuss your situation. If you haven’t already done so, register with Smartraveller and refer to this site to see the latest updates on travel restrictions and advice.
If you are an Australian artist or arts worker overseas and require assistance, please refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website for a list of Australian embassies, high commissions and consulates and their contact details.
We acknowledge the distress, hardship and isolation felt by artists and arts workers at this time. For support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Support Act on 1800 959 500.
While Australian borders and many international borders have reopened, COVID-19 remains an ongoing global health risk.
Applicants should ensure duty of care, health and wellbeing, risk mitigation, travel restrictions, pre-departure testing requirements and local physical distancing measures are reviewed while planning their international activities.
Applications to the Australia Council involving international travel must consider the Australian Government’s latest travel advice. Visit Smartraveller for more details on changing travel advice levels and specific country information.
