Explore, engage and exchange connections.

Exchanging creativity and culture — connecting past, present and future.

Engaging people and potential — connecting leaders, creators and change makers.

Exploring taste and technology  — connecting people through food, science and innovation.

Celebrating Australia’s creative excellence, diversity and innovation.

Australia now is an initiative of the Australian Government celebrating Australia’s creative excellence, diversity and innovation.

Each year, the program is delivered in a country or region of strategic significance. The program strengthens and deepens bilateral ties, and raises Australia’s profile as an innovative, creative nation – while building understanding beyond our landscape and lifestyle. Australia now promotes Australia’s cultural exchange, institutional networks, collaboration and people-to-people links while reflecting the cultural richness of Australia. Australia now demonstrates how contemporary Australia draws on our strong Indigenous culture and multicultural heritage, while promoting Australia as a key destination for tourism, study, research, innovation and investment.

Most of all Australia now is about building relationships for the future.

Past Australia now programs

2019

Australia now ASEAN

Australia now ASEAN 2019 built upon the deep and long-standing ties between Australia and ASEAN member countries. 2019’s program focussed on engaging and celebrating the vitality, diversity and capability of youth across Southeast Asia. We were honoured that the 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) hosted in 2019.

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Program

2018

Australia now Japan

Australia now Japan celebrated Australian innovation, creativity and lifestyle in Japan from April to November 2018. Recognising our strong ties and people-to-people links, Australia now promoted Australia’s creative excellence, diversity and innovation and strengthened networks and collaboration.

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2017

Australia now Germany

Delivering Australia now in Germany laid the foundations for the stronger bilateral relations and responded to recommendations of the Australia-Germany Advisory Group to enhance science and sporting links, build on current platforms and take bilateral cultural exchange to the next level.

Program

2016

Australia now Brazil

Australia now 2016 was the most important cultural initiative Australia has held in South America. Strategically staged from April to June 2016, in the lead up to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and Paralympics, Australia now was a major cultural festival with multiple events across 11 cities. In all, 120 Australian artists participated in Brazil. Over 300,000 Brazilians experienced more than 100 events.

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2015

Australia now Turkey

Australia now 2015 took place during the ANZAC centenary year and provided a strong counterpoint to the centenary’s historical focus. The program featured a range of art forms with strong popular appeal and a contemporary edge to reach target audiences and cut through the crowded cultural and media environment in Turkey. Interest levels amongst Turkish audiences were significant. The festival provided an opportunity to build links between Australian and Turkish cultural institutions, galleries, universities, music venues and performing artists.

Program