The Australian Arts & Cultural Scene

For a country with a small population Australia has a huge artistic output.  All capital cities and regional centres have a wealth of visual and performing arts institutions and lively artistic communities. No longer considered a cultural backwater Australia’s contribution to arts and culture is well regarded locally and globally. Our artists, writers, dancers, musicians, comedians and actors are among the best in the world.

There are a number of major national performing arts companies in Australia such as The Australian Opera, The Australian Ballet, The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, The Australian Chamber Orchestra , and Musica Viva Australia. Many States in Australia have their own orchestra, dance company, theatre company and opera company.

Every Australian capital city has public galleries, museums, theatres and annual arts festivals.  Here is just a small sample of the cultural institutions in each Australian capital city:

GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

In addition to galleries and museums in capital cities, there is an extensive network of regional galleries and museums across Australia.

Sydney

 Melbourne

Adelaide

Canberra

Perth

Hobart

 Brisbane

Darwin


THEATRE COMPANIES & PERFORMING ARTS VENUES

There are many home grown theatre companies in Australia and state of the art venues which feature international touring acts.

Sydney

Melbourne

Canberra

Brisbane

 Perth

Adelaide

Darwin

Hobart


ARTS & PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVALS IN & AROUND AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL CITIES

There are dozens of art, music, comedy, and performance festivals held in and around capital cities and regional centres in Australia. Many of these festivals are funded or partially funded by the Australian Government and most feature free events in public spaces.

Sydney

Melbourne

Canberra

Adelaide

Perth

Hobart

Darwin

Brisbane

This article covers general information about the Australian Arts and Culture Scene. Please use it as a guide only.