Want to see increased recognition and resourcing of community arts and cultural development (CACD) in Australia's next National Cultural Policy? Now is the time to have your say!

You've got until 24 May 2026 to make a submission to the Federal Government articulating your views about what you would like to see prioritised in the new National Cultural Policy.

Not sure what to say or how to say it?

We have good news for you! There’s a website designed especially to support the CACD sector to lobby for better representation and increased funding of CACD in Australia’s next National Cultural Policy.

Titled #REVIVE COMMUNITY ARTS, the website provides guidance and support for CACD practitioners wishing to submit feedback that will articulate the vital role that CACD plays in improving social cohesion, building individual and community resilience, and providing opportunities for meaningful participation in arts and culture, across the country. The website includes access to a template for making your own submission and the group submission written by a national alliance of CACD organisations and independent practitioners.

Who designed this fantastic resource?

The seeds of the #REVIVE COMMUNITY ARTS website were sown just a few weeks ago at the National CACD Gathering, hosted by Creative Australia in Sydney. CAN staff members Tegan Jenkins and Laura Mangen joined CACD artists and arts workers from around Australia at the conference, which provided opportunities for CACD practitioners to connect with, support and learn from each other, building solidarity and honouring the challenging and rewarding work that is done in/with/alongside communities across the land.

It was a brainstorming session about the callout for submissions for the next iteration of Australia’s REVIVE National Cultural Policy that formed the basis for the #REVIVE COMMUNITY ARTS website. It's an invaluable resource, not only for those wishing to help inform the next National Cultural Policy, but for anyone who needs to articulate the value of CACD in any context.

What do I do next?

CAN encourages all WA organisations, artists and communities to make a submission – this is your chance to inform and influence what comes next, to share insights, advocate for what matters, and help shape a policy that reflects the diversity and strength of the arts sector.

CAN will also be preparing a submission and welcomes perspectives from artists, organisations and groups who may not be able to make a formal submission but would like their voices and experiences reflected in our response. If you’d like to contribute, please get in touch with antonella@can.org.au
 

Pictured top: Visual scribe Shenali Perera at CAN's annual CACD professional development day, Making Time // Credit Edwin Sitt