This document updates our strategic framework for the arts, libraries and museums, which were set out in separate documents: Achieving great art for everyone (2010) and Culture, knowledge and understanding (2011).

This 2013-22 strategy aims to strengthen Brisbane’s liveability as a vibrant creative hub and to ensure Brisbane will be the premier location for talented people to live, work and play; a city to raise families, and develop careers and economic potential.

The City of Hobart launched its cultural strategy in June 2013 in response to Hobart’s strong traditions in craft and design, the performing arts, music and literature, and growing recognition nationally and internationally.

In Australia and internationally, there is strong interest in the role of ‘cultural’ and ‘creative’ activity in the economy, such as highlighted recently by Australia’s National Cultural Policy, Creative Australia. These terms are often used to describe activities connected with the arts, media, heritage, design, fashion and information technology.

The UK's creative economy is one of its great national strengths, historically deeply rooted and accounting for around one-tenth of the whole economy. It provides jobs for 2.5 million people – more than in financial services, advanced manufacturing or construction – and in recent years, this creative workforce has grown four times faster than the...