Cultural Ministers Council

In August 2005, the Cultural Ministers Council agreed that it was fitting and timely to consider a new strategic approach to state, territory and Australian Government cooperation in support for the arts. It was agreed to establish the National Agenda for the Arts Working Group to:

• Clarify issues common to all jurisdictions
• Identify opportunities for collaborative action
• Scope the format of a possible national agenda for the arts

The Cultural Ministers Council also agreed that the working group would examine and report on the potential role of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation in any national agenda on the arts.

The working group presented the Framework for National Cooperation in the Arts and Culture to the Cultural Ministers Council in September 2006. The framework was endorsed by the Cultural Ministers Council as a starting point. Its four thematic areas were:

• Indigenous arts and culture
• Innovation and the arts in a changing world
• Arts and culture in a changing and diverse society
• Growing a dynamic and sustainable arts industry that contributes to economic growth and community wellbeing

The National Agenda for the Arts Working Group formally ceased in January 2007. In 2008, the Cultural Ministers Council agreed to build on this work and develop a Cultural Ministers Council strategy.