The Australia Council has released its latest Annual Report, Connected by creativity, detailing its investment in arts and creativity that connected Australians during 2019-20.

In these challenging times, creativity has connected us. Creativity will be vital to our recovery from this pandemic: to rebuilding our social connections, our wellbeing, our tourism and our economy. Now, more than ever, our artists have a significant role in helping Australians navigate rapid social, cultural and economic change and in building the health of our civil society.

"Icelandic filmmaking has advanced and is now of the highest quality. It helps us to strengthen and preserve the language, reflect the present and understand the cultural heritage. It creates value for the Treasury, creates thousands of direct and indirect jobs and enjoys international respect.

The Icelandic Ministry of Education, Science and Culture has published the first comprehensive policy on film industry and film culture. The Ministry and leading members of the film industry joined forces in developing the policy, working in close collaboration.

The Canada Council for the Arts is pleased to share its 2019-20 Annual Report, Together with Purpose. Prepared during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this report underscores the essential role of both the arts and the artistic imagination, as exemplified by artists and arts organizations in their mission of giving Canadians daily access to the arts.

Speech by Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law at the Debate on the Ministerial Statement on Overview of Government's Strategy to Emerge Stronger from the COVID-19 Pandemic.