Australia is experiencing a significant decline in enrolments in creative arts courses, leading to widespread concern that it could become an 'artless country.' Over the past decade, more than 40 creative courses and degrees have been cut, reflecting a troubling trend in higher education. This decline was highlighted in newly published research which indicates that fewer students are pursuing studies in the creative arts at both high school and university levels.

The research draws a direct connection between this trend and the job-ready graduate scheme implemented by the former Morrison government in 2021. The scheme was intended to make higher education more cost-effective for students but inadvertently resulted in increased fees for arts and creative courses. For instance, costs for creative arts degrees rose by 19%, while degrees in arts, society, and culture skyrocketed by 116%. These financial changes have deterred potential students from enrolling in these crucial fields of study, further exacerbating the decline in creative arts education.

The implications of this decline are far-reaching for Australia's cultural landscape. With a dwindling number of creatives entering the workforce, there is a risk of losing diverse artistic voices and a rich cultural tapestry that contributes to the nation's identity. Stakeholders in education and the arts are calling for urgent action to reverse this trend, emphasizing the need for a balanced and equitable approach to funding across all disciplines, including the arts, to foster a vibrant and dynamic cultural environment in Australia.