A new national report has urged governments to take a more strategic, collaborative approach to arts and cultural investment, warning Australia risks falling behind internationally as federal per capita spending falls to its lowest level on record.

The Big Picture, released by advocacy group A New Approach (ANA), analyses public expenditure trends and argues that stronger coordination across all levels of government is needed to secure the future of Australia’s arts, culture and creativity system.

The report found federal per capita expenditure on arts and culture in 2023–24 was $114, the lowest level recorded. By contrast, state and territory per capita expenditure reached a record $123.

It also found Australia’s population grew by 27 per cent between 2007–08 and 2023–24, while total cultural expenditure increased by only 19 per cent over the same period.

Trumpeter Jenna Smith and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, 2026. Photo © Artshoot Media

On an international comparison, Australia ranked 25th out of 31 OECD countries for expenditure on “recreation, culture and religion” as a share of GDP.

ANA said some recent state budget papers...