South Australia is setting the stage for a decade of creative expansion with the launch of A Place to Create, the state’s first 10-year cultural policy. With an initial investment exceeding $80 million, the Malinauskas Government aims to give artists, cultural organisations, and creative industries the foundation to thrive while making arts and culture accessible to every South Australian.
The plan strengthens South Australia’s reputation as a cultural powerhouse. The Art Gallery of South Australia receives over $15 million to elevate its programming and attract new audiences, including a Winter Art Series. More than $3 million is set aside to amplify the state’s creative footprint on the global stage, while $2.5 million is directed at fostering creative development for children and young people. The Adelaide Youth Orchestras, Carclew, and the State Library of South Australia are among the key beneficiaries.
A boost of $1 million is designed to encourage philanthropic investment, with matched fundraising programs benefiting cultural organisations such as the Adelaide Festival. An additional $1 million expands grants for artists and arts organisations to develop and showcase original work. More than $2.3 million is directed towards First Nations arts and culture, ensuring deeper engagement and broader opportunities for Indigenous artists. The music sector sees over $1.5 million funnelled into original local music and live music venues via the Music Development Office. Regional communities aren’t left out, with more than $500,000 allocated to arts and culture programs delivered by Country Arts SA.
Working conditions for artists and creatives come under sharper focus through a partnership with Creative Australia’s Creative Workplaces. A $4 million contribution supports the transformation of the Adelaide Central School of Art into a new Creative Hub, complementing a $7 million federal investment. The policy also enshrines the role of arts and culture in legislation, reinforcing its importance in South Australia’s identity and economy.
The policy is underpinned by the work of CreateSA, previously known as Arts South Australia, which will oversee its delivery. On top of the extra $80 million injection, South Australia continues its annual investment of $149 million in the arts, cultural, and creative industries through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
Premier Peter Malinauskas sees this as a continuation of the state’s long-standing dedication to arts and culture. He acknowledges that South Australia’s international reputation for festivals and events is rooted in a strong grassroots arts community. A Place to Create provides a framework for supporting artists in shaping a dynamic cultural landscape and fostering a hopeful future.
Minister for Arts Andrea Michaels highlights the policy’s dual impact, acknowledging the vital role of artists in both cultural expression and economic contribution. The sector generates more than $1.8 billion for South Australia annually, and the policy cements a long-term strategy to sustain and expand this impact. The consultation process for A Place to Create brought forward a wide array of ideas, shaping a strategy that reflects the ambitions of the state’s artistic community.
From internationally recognised festivals to grassroots creative movements, South Australia has long been a place where arts and culture flourish. A Place to Create signals a renewed commitment to nurturing creative talent, fostering innovation, and ensuring that South Australians continue to experience and contribute to a vibrant cultural life.
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