Cultural and creative activity

Cultural and creative activity is an important part of knowledge-based economies, and it makes a valuable contribution to Australia's economic and social wellbeing.

The Bureau of Communications, Arts and Regional Research regularly publish research on Australia's cultural and creative sectors.

Key findings

Cultural and creative activity contributed $70.3 billion to Australia's economy in 2024–25. This is a 4% increase from 2023–24.

The cultural and creative sector contributed 2.5% of Australia's GDP in 2024–25, which is comparable to the Accommodation and Food Services industry. Over the decade from 2015–16 to 2024–25, cultural and creative activity grew by an average of 4.5% per year, similar to manufacturing at 4.6%. Growth varied across cultural and creative domains. Digital games development recorded the strongest growth, increasing by an average annual growth rate of 13.1% from a small initial base. Arts education and internet publishing and broadcasting also recorded comparatively strong growth.

Cultural and creative activity in Australia 2015–16 to 2024–25 follows an updated methodology developed in 2024 to more accurately reflect the contribution of this important activity. This research is a key action of Revive, Australia’s National Cultural Policy, and will assist the government with future targeted investment.