The report on the third National Arts Participation Survey released by the Australia Council this month that shows that 98% of Australians engage with the arts and 73% believe that the arts ‘are an important way to get a different perspective on a topic or issue’. The survey, which canvassed a range of topics including participation, education and social cohesion revealed that 75% of respondents agreed that the arts should be an important part of the education of every Australian; and 70% agreed that artists should have total freedom of expression.
On a more negative front, there appears to be less support for public funding for the arts and an increased perception that the arts tend to attract elites.
The full report is available at: http://www.australiacouncil.gov.au/workspace/uploads/files/connecting-australians-natio-59520692c614a.pdf
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