Australia is a land of multi-faceted and unique art form which reflect and highlight the many cultures and traditions of this pluralistic society.

Visual Arts

• Since the 1970's we have seen new modes of expression by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The unique stories of the Dreaming have been transposed to paintings, boards and canvases by Pintupi elders in the central desert community of Papunya

• Of note are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists, Rover Thomas, Emily Kingwarreye and Ken Thaiday.

• Non-Indigenous artists such as Sidney Nolan and Arthur Boyd have used their work to portray the Australian physical and social environment.

• Immigrant artists such as Olegas Truchanaa, Sali Herman and Imants Tillers have actively explored the natural and urban world through their unqiue works.

The Performing Arts

Australia's performing arts offers some of the most innovative and exciting in the world. Indigenous companies include the Bangarra Dance Company and Islander Dance Troupe and have received international acclaim.

Of note are other artists:

• Choreographer Stephen Page working with traditional Aboriginal communities and the Australian Ballet

• Actor Deborah Mailman also acclaimed for her work in film and on stage

• Christine Anu, Aboriginal singer who incorporates the music and song of the Torres Strait Islands into her work

• The Australian Ballet and the Sydney Dance Company both tour regularly both her and overseas.

• The Australian Art Orchestra (collborates with master musicians from South India)

• The Australian Chamber Orchestra (acclaimed as one of the best in the world)

• Australia's symphony orchestras

• Opera Australia (one of the busiest opera companies in the world)

• Contemporary Australian rock music has enjoyed international acclaim and success in performers such as Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia, Silverchair, Savage Garden and The Whitlams, Nick Cave,

Literature

There are a number of award winning Australian writers from past to present who have made a mark in the field of literature.

These include:

• Patrick White who won the Nobel prize in 1973

• Thomas Keneally and Peter Carey (The Booker prize)

• Poet Les Murray (the Petarch Prize)

• Helen Garner, David Malouf, Elizabeth Jolley, Archie Weller, Tim Winton - all prize winning writers

• Leading poets such as A.B.Paterso, A.D.Hope, Judith Wright, Bruce Dawe and Geoff Page

• International bestsellers include Morris West, Colleen McCullough, Bryce Courtney.

• The Aboriginal people and their culture have been brought to the fore through the work of writers such as Oodgeroo Noonuccal and Sally Morgan.

Cinema

Australian cinema has come into its own in terms of the international film industry, Academy Awards and nominations have been won and received by a number of outstanding Australian actors, film makers, cinematograhers;

Most notable to date include:

• The Piano (1993), Priscilla Queen of the Desert (1994), Babe (1995), Shine (1996)

• Film makers - Peter Weir and Bruce Beresford

• Directors - Baz Luhrmann, Scott Hicks, Gillian Armstrong, Jane Campion, Paul Goldman

• Actors - Nicole Kidman, Judy Davis, Geoffrey Rush, Mel Gibson, Cate Blanchett, Russell Crowe, Rachel Griffiths, Toni Collette, Simon Baker, Eric Bana, Hugh Jackman, Heath Ledger, Frances O'Connor

• Cinematographers Dean Semmler

• Australian also boasts a number of studio complexes where American film continue to be made - Mission Impossible 11, Moulin Rouge