The creative sector exists through partnerships, collaborations, exchanges and joint ventures between individuals and organisations, government agencies, philanthropic trusts, businesses and other community organisations. At a high level, this much is known and unremarkable. However, the nature of these partnerships is undocumented and rarely studied.

Understanding and unlocking the value of effective collaboration is key to Australia securing its place as a cultural powerhouse. This report aims to do exactly that.

To encourage sustainable collaboration, this research examines the question - what approaches can help arts, culture and creativity partnerships to thrive across operating environments? It aims to foster important discussions about the role of arts, culture and creativity partnerships, as well as provide evidence-informed insights into the questions facing any cultural organisation, business, government or philanthropic entity considering working in partnership.

Key findings:

• While creative pursuits may involve people and entities operating alone, and original ideas and expressions may require protection, partnerships generally produce results beyond those that can be achieved by a single entity. These results can benefit creators, co-investors, communities, the cultural and creative industries, and nations.
• Partnerships can draw on general business approaches that help operations deliver goods and services, such as strategic planning, formal operational and investment agreements, risk management, communications and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Entities and people in arts, culture and creativity partnerships can draw on existing laws, ethical infrastructure and personal and interpersonal approaches to support their efforts to work better together and navigate adversity.