Superstars heading to Australia. Backstage scandals. An election that promised a reboot of arts funding. Untimely deaths. There was no shortage of arts news in 2022. As 2023 approaches, we take a look back at Limelight‘s 12 biggest news stories of the past year – the good news, the sad news and the stories that rocked the boat.

Number 12

Michael Sheen to star in Amadeus at Sydney Opera House

Michael Sheen. Photo © Andy Gotts.

In 1998, Welsh actor Michael Sheen made his Broadway debut as Mozart in Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus, playing opposite David Suchet. A quarter of a century later, Sheen is starring in a spectacular new production of the show – this time as the jealous composer Antonio Salieri.

Number 11

Tony Burke on Labor’s arts policy

Labor’s Arts Minister talked cultural policy, an insurance scheme, local content quotas, support of the commercial sector and about the role of the Australia Council – but remained tight-lipped on funding.

Number 10

Federal Arts Minister warns Australia Council about funding choices

In the same...