Cultural and recreational activities are important contributors to the wellbeing of individuals and communities. They take many forms including involvement in creative and performing arts, music, literature, cultural heritage, religious activities, libraries, radio, television, sports and amusements.
This chapter reviews a range of cultural and recreational activities which Australians undertake and provides a statistical summary, where available, for those activities. It also provides information on the industries providing a range of culture and recreation services in Australia, and information on religious affiliation.
Statistics have been drawn from household and industry surveys conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), as well as its compilations of administrative data, such as information about government funding of heritage and arts activities. Other Australian Government organisations have also supplied data used in this chapter.
Further information on the operations of organisations referred to in this chapter, including their administrative and legislative background, may be obtained from their individual web sites, addresses of which are provided throughout and at the end of the chapter.