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More than bums on seats: Australian participation in the arts

Report on the 2009 National Arts Participation Survey.

Mar 01, 2009
A person standing facing away from the camera in front of a white wall with nine artworks arranged in a square.
Please note: the most recent edition of the National Arts Participation Survey is here.

Overview

The National Arts Participation surveys give robust and detailed information on how Australians participate in the arts and their attitudes to the arts, to help the arts sector understand its audiences and policy makers understand its value to the public.

Analysis of the 2009 survey, published in the report More than bums on seats, paints a positive picture. Overall, nine in ten Australians participate in the arts (either by making art themselves or attending) and attitudes towards the arts are increasingly positive. Some key findings are:

  • The arts are strongly supported by the community
  • Attitudes towards the arts are increasingly positive.
  • The internet is now a key tool for the arts.
  • Interest in Indigenous arts is growing
  • There are significant opportunities to build arts audiences.
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We acknowledge the many Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and honour their Elders past and present.

We respect their deep enduring connection to their lands, waterways and surrounding clan groups since time immemorial. We cherish the richness of First Nations Peoples’ artistic and cultural expressions.

We are privileged to gather on this Country and through this website to share knowledge, culture and art now, and with future generations.

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We acknowledge the many Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and honour their Elders past and present.

We respect their deep enduring connection to their lands, waterways, and surrounding clan groups since time immemorial. We cherish the richness of First Nations peoples’ artistic and cultural expressions. We are privileged to gather on this Country and to share knowledge, culture and art, now and with future generations.

Art by Jordan Lovegrove