Creative industries overview

Overview

Australia has a vibrant arts, culture and entertainment community which is known internationally for its unique cultural style, distinct from anywhere else in the world. This uniqueness has contributed to the strong and established export relationship Australia has with the UK, Europe and the US.

Over the past few years, Austrade has seen an enormous growth in the exporting of Australian music, publishing, film, indigenous art and decorative arts. Particularly in new markets such as Asia.

In the music sector, there has been significant export growth amongst companies working with Austrade. Over the past three years there was a 50 per cent increase in the number of deals being done each year amounting to almost $100 million in export sales.

Key opportunities

Significant exporting opportunities exist for the following industries:

• Music
• Publishing
• Film
• Indigenous art
• Decorative arts

The US and West Europe continue to present strong opportunities but often prove to be expensive particularly to new exporters. The time difference is also another obstacle. Another major, but sometimes challenging market is Japan.

Asia is proving to be the newest and most active market at present and Austrade is working to build this market further.

Key priority markets in Asia are:

• Taiwan
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• China

How can we help you?

With a worldwide network of highly experienced and qualified staff, Austrade provides a number of dedicated and tailored services to Australian exporters.

Austrade offers practical advice, market intelligence and ongoing support (including financial) to Australian businesses looking to develop international markets. Austrade also provides advice and guidance on overseas investment and joint venture opportunities, and helps put Australian businesses in contact with potential overseas investors.

For further information please contact Austrade on 13 28 78 or email info@austrade.gov.au. 

Useful links and contacts

Austrade’s creative industries contacts

John Odgers
Senior Export Adviser – Arts
Tel: +61 2 9390 2353
Email: John.Odgers@austrade.gov.au

Matthew Proft
Export Adviser – Arts
Tel: +61 2 9390 2084
Email: Matthew.Proft@austrade.gov.au

Film

• Screen Australia – www.screenaustralia.gov.au 
• Screen Producers Association of Australia – www.spaa.org.au
  

Music

• Australian Independent Record Labels Association – www.air.org.au
• Australian Record Industry Association – www.aria.com.au
• International Music Managers’ Forum – www.immf.com
  

Publishing

• Australian Publishers Association – www.publishers.asn.au
• Australian Society of Authors – www.asauthors.org
  

Performing arts

• Association of Performing Arts Presenters – www.artspresenters.org
• Australia Dancing – www.australiadancing.org
• Australian Performing Arts Market – www.performingartsmarket.com.au
• Australasian Performing Rights Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society – www.apra-amcos.com.au
  

Visual arts/ craft and Indigenous art

• Australian Commercial Galleries Association – www.acga.com.au
• Australian Council for the Arts – www.australiancouncil.gov.au
• Australian Indigenous Art Trade Association – www.arttrade.com.au
• Craft Australia – www.craftaustralia.org.au
• National Association for the Visual Arts – www.visualarts.net.au
   

Last updated: 24 Jul 2008