The CFC was established under the Cultural Facilities Corporation Act 1997 (the CFC Act), which came into operation as from 1 November 1997.
The functions of the CFC, as set out in the CFC Act (Section 6) are:
- to manage, develop, present, coordinate and promote cultural activities at designated locations and other places in the ACT;
- to establish and research collections;
- to conserve and exhibit collections in the possession or under the control of the CFC;
- to undertake activities, in cooperation with other people if appropriate, to exercise its other functions; and
- to exercise other functions given to the CFC under this Act or another Territory Law.
The CFC Act (Section 7) requires that the CFC, in exercising its functions, must consider:
- any cultural policies or priorities of the Executive known to the CFC; and
- other cultural activities in the ACT.
The current cultural policies and priortes of the executive are articulated in the Canberra: Australia's Arts Capital - a statement of ambition for the Arts 2021-26 and Canberra: Australia's Arts Capital - Arts, Culture and Creative Policy 2022-2026 and Action Plan which can be found at the ArtsACT Website.
Our mission
We create and drive diverse and remarkable experiences that enliven and elevate arts, culture, and heritage in the Capital.
Our vision
Building Australia's arts and culture capital.
Our values
Daring ● Responsibility ● Excellence ● Agile ● Magnetic
Our Goals
- Custodianship, Creativity, and Storytelling – We will deliver creative excellence and custodianship for the CFC’s activities, deepen our contribution to the ACT’s arts, culture and heritage ecology, and grow our national role.
- Growth and Sustainability – We will position the CFC for the future by expanding its income streams and relevance to the arts, culture, and heritage sectors, audiences, and economy.
- Redevelopment of the Canberra Theatre Centre and Canberra Civic and Culture District – We will provide a vision and key leadership for the redevelopment of the CTC and CCCD, developing our organisation to leverage the opportunities these present.
- Sector Leadership and Development – We will lead our sector in the ACT, growing audiences, engaging artists, and developing people.
- Best Practice Governance, Organisational Capacity, and Culture – Our operational model will be best practice.
The CFC Strategic Priorities 2026-30 [PDF 1.8 MB] provides the overarching framework for the organisation’s planning activities over a four-year period, including for the development of its annual business plans.
The Strategic Plan identifies the CFC’s mission, vision, our values and our strategic goals both for the organisation as a whole and for the following business areas:
- Canberra Theatre Centre (CTC)
- Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG), including The Nolan Collection;
- ACT Historic Places (ACTHP): Lanyon, Calthorpes’ House and Mugga-Mugga; and
- Corporate/Finance.
Australian Business Number: 88 187 240 846