The Conversation is a unique collaboration between academics and journalists which in a decade has become a world-leading publisher of research-based news and analysis.

Thoughtful criticism is essential to building, shaping and understanding Australia’s arts and cultural landscape. Yet arts writing in Australia is in decline, with fewer outlets publishing criticism, reviews and research-based policy analysis. This has left a significant gap in the media landscape for high-quality arts coverage.

Without this coverage, readers miss opportunities to discover new work, understand its context and significance, and engage in informed debate about the policies needed to sustain Australia’s arts sector and cultural life.

The Conversation will expand and strengthen its editorial capacity in arts coverage to help fill this gap. Drawing on the expertise of academics and researchers, their research, insights and ideas will support audiences in navigating the debates, creative forces and significant works that shape our cultural life.