A man in shorts, tshirt, cap and sunglasses is depicted jumping in mid-air, singing into a microphone. Another musician stands behind him.
Martin Philbey, Hilltop Hoods Performing at Big Day Out Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, 28 January 2008, nla.obj-151551215

Australia has a vibrant performing arts industry that features a range of original artists and creative people who have forged exciting careers at home and abroad. In this global age, Australia's performing arts are sometimes characterised as bold and collaborative, but with a larrikin spirit.

A crowd attend an outdoor music festival. They wear bright clothes, caps, sunglasses and have their hands raised in the air.
Martin Philbey, Audience at the Falls Music and Arts Festival, Lorne, Victoria, 2007, nla.obj-147950306

Over the last 50 years, Australian performers and companies have continued to move and challenge audiences, inspiring us to laugh, cry and dance.

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The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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