Investment in cultural and creative activity is high on international public agendas as nations seek to harness its economic, social and cultural benefits, including more connected communities and more productive economies. Industry, policy-makers, and researchers are exploring effective and efficient ways to invest over different time frames; in different populations; and through both public and private channels.

The non-governmental finance market for arts, culture and creativity in Australia – and industry’s knowledge of these diverse financial options – remains underresearched. The purpose of this report is to begin to address these gaps in research and awareness by painting a fuller picture of the scope and scale of financial inflows to the cultural and creative industries and by exploring how the returns on these investments are conceptualised.

This research offers an important update and knowledge base for people with a stake in Australia’s arts, culture and creativity. The authors hope the research can also be used as a resource in future decisions and ongoing reform.