International Cultural Relations

In July 1990, the Cultural Ministers Council endorsed the formation of a working group which, taking into account existing policies and developments throughout Australia, would frame a coherent strategy for consideration by the then Australia Abroad Council (now the Australia International Cultural Council) and other relevant bodies.

In June 1994, the Cultural Ministers Council noted the International Cultural Relations Strategic Review, a study of initiatives, issues and approaches across governments in this area. The broad commitment to collaborative planning and research processes, particularly the role of effective networking by governments to progress diverse interests of cultural industries, was also noted.

In 1994, the Cultural Ministers Council recommended a course of action to address:

• Definition of roles, responsibilities, interests and objectives
• Establishment of effective communication channels and coordination of information exchange
• Consultation regarding processes for funding, monitoring and evaluating national strategies and events over the long term
• Development of a coherent image for projecting Australia internationally that communicates regional diversity
• Development and facilitation of access to a range of mechanisms for communicating culture and delivering product

In 1994, the Cultural Ministers Council agreed to maintain a representative role for cultural interests on the Australia Abroad Council (now the Australia International Cultural Council) and supported an initiative to exchange information regarding international cultural relations activities. The Cultural Ministers Council is represented on the Australia International Cultural Council by the Cultural Ministers Council Standing Committee Chair.