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The Arts

Documentaries help highlight the value and diversity of The Arts within culture and society.

Throughout history, The Arts have been used as a means of reflecting, critiquing, and influencing society. In ancient civilisations, art was often used to depict societal hierarchies, religious beliefs, and cultural practices. 

In the 20th century, The Arts became increasingly intertwined with social and political movements with artists and cultural figures playing crucial roles in advocating for civil rights, feminism, LGBTQIA+ rights, and other social justice causes. 

In recent times, the social impact of The Arts has expanded and diversified further with artists engaging with a wide range of social and political issues, including environmental sustainability, racial inequality, mental health, globalisation, and technological advancements. They employ various mediums including visual arts, performing arts, literature, music, film, and digital media to communicate their messages and engage audiences. 

Documentaries help highlight the value and diversity of The Arts within culture and society. As an art form themselves, documentaries show how The Arts allow audiences to engage with different perspectives and experiences, and allow for social commentary, self-expression, and personal development. Artists and cultural organisations work closely with communities to address local concerns and promote social change. They create platforms for dialogue, challenge perception, raise awareness, and empower individuals and communities to take action. Documentaries about these creative expressions elevate and expands the reach and depth of understanding of their messages.  

A picture of a man in front of some artworks from the documentary Welcome to Babel.

Films that need your support

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Nandita Chakraborty

Filmmaker journeys from Melbourne to India , Nepal , Bangladesh & London, exposing the colonial myth of “curry.”

Ron Cobb photo

Rachel Lane

From political cartoons to iconic science fiction films, Ron Cobb helped make sense of the future.

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Dean Bates

Anthony Mundine’s journey from NRL star to boxing icon challenges concepts of race, identity, and success.

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Steve Sharp

A war photographer contemplates his legacy of reporting wars through a spiritual lens and what it says about the future of war and peace

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Mika Nishimura

The enlightened journey of a 92-year-old woman artist turning grief and aging into creative renewal and cultural legacy.

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Judith Ehrlich

From poetry to parliament, outsider politician Birgitta Jónsdóttir shows how one voice can reshape democracy.

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Anna Trichet

Rockpools are iconic features and living archives of Australia’s coastline, history, and shared community spirit.

SIDE QUEST STORIES

Emily Medbury

An artist transforms a neglected house into a creative sanctuary that supports survivors and drives social change.