This report provides current insights into the attitudes and beliefs held by ‘young middle Australians’ towards arts and cultural engagement and the role it plays in their lives. It includes the findings of a national focus group study of 18–29-year-old ‘undecided voters’ from lower- and middle-income families, predominantly living in outer suburbs, regional areas and federal marginal electorates.

The findings highlight that young middle Australians see arts and culture as central to their lives. They describe their engagement with arts and culture as inseparable from their other everyday activities. They don’t associate arts and culture with elitism – they see it as integral to a full and rounded life. As such, arts and culture will play an increasingly critical role in shaping our nation’s future direction.