Pay the artist: National Cultural Policy consultations
Join NAVA-led visual arts sector discussions to help shape NAVA’s submission to the next National Cultural Policy, 28-30 April via Zoom.
The current National Cultural Policy recognises artists as workers, and NAVA’s Code of Practice provides Payment Standards endorsed by the Government in Revive. Yet working conditions have not shifted in a consistent way, and NAVA continues to hear reports of artists not being paid.
The next National Cultural Policy is a chance to address structural issues that have persisted across multiple policy cycles. NAVA is bringing the sector together to identify clear priorities and concrete proposals, and we want to hear from you.
Over three 90-minute consultation sessions this April, NAVA is inviting Members to share their perspectives. What are the current constraints on paying artists properly? What would make the biggest difference? What should the policy prioritise?
Throughout April, all new and renewing Members will receive a free PAY YOUR ARTISTS tote as part of this campaign. Join or renew to support the work and help shape the submission.
First Nations
Tuesday 28 April
12-1.30pm AWST, 1.30-3pm ACST, 2-3.30pm AEST
Pillar: First Nations First
- Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP), including the impact of forthcoming legislation
- AI and the use of First Nations cultural material
- Resourcing and workforce development.
Pay the Artist
Wednesday 29 April
12-1.30pm AWST, 1.30-3pm ACST, 2-3.30pm AEST
Pillar: Centrality of the Artist
Focus:
- Artist income and unpaid labour
- Institutional constraints (funding, budgets, expectations)
- Tax reform (grants, GST, NCL, exhibition tax relief)
- Living wage, fellowships, and basic income
Conditions of Practice
Thursday 30 April
12-1.30pm AWST, 1.30-3pm ACST, 2-3.30pm AEST
Pillars: Place for Every Story; Strong Cultural Infrastructure; Engaging the Audience
Focus:
- Production, circulation and access (including touring and regional)
- AI (consent, remuneration, control)
- Freedom of expression
- Climate (disaster response, infrastructure, recovery)
- Arts education and workforce pipeline
- National structures (including the role and need for a Visual Arts Australia-type body)
Building on the 2022 NAVA workshop outcomes, these discussions will draw on earlier consultations and current initiatives under Revive, to develop and refine proposals for the next National Cultural Policy.
NAVA-led discussion meeting notes will be shared with the sector to inform individual and organisational submissions to the National Cultural Policy. Submissions close 24 May 2026.
Discussion guidelines
- This is a public discussion, not a debate. The purpose is to hear many points of view.
- Everyone is encouraged to participate.
- No one or two individuals should dominate a discussion. If you have already voiced your ideas, let others have an opportunity.
- Be brief and to the point when speaking. Please introduce yourself with your name and role.
- One person speaks at a time. Please turn your mic off if you are not speaking
- Listen respectfully. Ask questions for clarification where needed.
- If there isn't enough time to share your ideas, or if you have further thoughts after the discussion, you can share follow up notes with NAVA via email nava@visualarts.net.au.
NAVA’s Safer Spaces policy outlines how we can collectively create respectful and inclusive environments. By registering, you agree to these protocols.
Access
Captioning and Auslan Interpretation will be available. Please contact us via email nava@visualarts.net.au or phone 9368 1900 if you have additional access requirements.
PAY YOUR ARTISTS tote
Throughout April, all new and renewing Members will receive a free PAY YOUR ARTISTS tote as part of this campaign.
Image
PAY YOUR ARTISTS tote, with pink shirt from the Romance Was Born x Pip & Pop (Tanya Schultz) collaboration. Photo courtesy of NAVA.
ID: A black tote bag printed with the bold text “PAY YOUR ARTISTS” inside a white rectangle and the NAVA logo in the bottom right corner, carried on the shoulder of a person wearing a vibrant pink and green shirt against a bright blue background.
NAVA acknowledges and pays respects to the rightful custodians of the many First Nations Lands upon which this online event will be streamed and received. We recognise all Custodians of Country throughout all lands, waters and territories, and pay respect to First Nations communities' ancestors and Elders.
Sovereignty was never ceded.
This always was, and always will be Aboriginal Land.
