Northern Territory Arts Strategy 2034

The Northern Territory (NT) Government is committed to and recognises the creative arts sector as a key driver in both enriching the lives of Territorians and in strengthening the Territory’s creative and cultural economy.

The NT Arts Strategy 2034 sets the long-term direction for arts, culture and creativity in the Territory.

It places artists and arts workers at the centre, supporting them to create new work, reach wider audiences, and build sustainable careers across the creative industries.

The strategy also supports the NT Government’s priorities to restore lifestyle, rebuild the economy and reduce crime by:

• strengthening community connection
• creating local employment and creative enterprise opportunities
• increasing participation in positive social and cultural activity
• supporting vibrant and safe communities across the Territory

The strategy is delivered through two 5‑year action plans, with the first Action Plan (2026–2030) released to outline practical actions to deliver these priorities.

Priorities

• Empower: Invest in people to build a strong, creative and culturally diverse arts sector.
  Key actions include:
  • strengthening Aboriginal leadership and community-controlled cultural governance
  • expanding professional development, mentoring and enterprise skills
  • supporting young and emerging artists to develop long-term career pathways
  • creating safe, inclusive and accessible arts workplaces.
• Connect: Invest in connecting the arts, culture and creativity to community to grow the creative and cultural life of the Territory.
  Key actions include:
  • supporting regional arts organisations and community-based delivery
  • activating creative spaces, venues and festivals
  • growing partnerships across education, health, tourism and business
  • improving access and participation for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
• Enrich: Invest in audiences and celebrate the value of Territory arts and culture to grow a strong arts, cultural and creative economy.
  Key actions include:
  • promoting NT artists locally, nationally and internationally
  • supporting cultural tourism and major arts celebrations
  • expanding digital platforms and new ways to engage audiences
  • measuring and communicating the social, cultural and economic value of the arts.

Measuring success

Through the Action Plan 2026-2030 PDF (2.1 MB), the strategy will:

• support more Territorians to create and participate in arts and culture
• strengthen career pathways, employment and sustainability for artists and arts organisations
• increase access to arts and culture across regional and remote communities
• grow audiences and markets for Territory arts locally, nationally and internationally
• strengthen the cultural, social and economic contribution of the arts sector.

For more information

• Read the NT Arts Strategy 2034 – Plan on a page PDF (136.7 KB)
• Read the full version of the NT Arts Strategy 2034 PDF (4.3 MB)
• Read the Survey and Consultation Report PDF (964.6 KB)

Contact

Arts NT
Phone: 08 8999 8981
arts.office@nt.gov.au
PO Box 37037
Winnellie NT 0820