Research partnerships

Australian Research Council projects

Australian cultural and creative activity: A population and hotspot analysis (2017-2020) 

The project investigated factors producing local and regional creative ‘hotspots’ in Australia. ‘Hotspots’ are locations that have well above average creative and innovative growth and potential.

The research combined population-level statistical analysis with interviews with local creatives. The project was led by the Queensland University of Technology and the University of Newcastle. DLGSC was a partner on the project along with Arts Queensland, Create NSW, Creative Victoria, and Arts South Australia.

Reports, factsheets and data tables are available on the Australian cultural and creative activity: a population and hotspot analysis page.

Making Music Work: Sustainable Portfolio Careers for Australian Musicians (2016-2019)

The Australia-wide study explored the conditions and strategies needed for musicians to sustain successful portfolio careers. The project found the vast majority of Australian musicians’ careers consist of a variety of concurrent and often impermanent roles.

The project was led by Queensland Conservatorium Research Centre (QCRC). DLGSC was an industry partner along with the Australian Council for the Arts, Create NSW, Creative Victoria, and the Music Trust, and institutional partner Curtin University.  Reports and factsheets are available below and on the Making Music Work website.

Other national research

The department has also supported research projects of national significance. This includes:

Integrating Art Production and Economic Development in the Kimberley (2015-2016)  

The study investigated and analysed the extent to which art and cultural production that has market potential can provide a viable pathway towards economic empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote towns, settlements and outstations across the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

The study is a part of a wider project — a National Survey of Remote Indigenous Artists. The objective of the National Survey is to produce a nationally representative database on how individual Indigenous artists in remote Australia establish, maintain and develop their professional art practice. The study was supported by DLGSC and the Commonwealth Government. The report can be accessed below.