Creative Industries Oceania: A Diverse and Growing Sector
The creative industries in Oceania, encompassing countries like Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and other Pacific Island nations, represent a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, innovation, and modern creativity. These industries play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s identity, fostering economic growth, and promoting social cohesion.

Economic Impact
The creative industries contribute significantly to the economies of Oceania, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, where they account for billions of dollars annually. These industries are also vital in smaller Pacific Island nations, supporting tourism and preserving cultural heritage.
Key Sectors
- Film and Television: Oceania is home to globally recognized film industries. Australia and New Zealand, in particular, have thriving production hubs, with New Zealand’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Australia’s Mad Max franchise achieving international acclaim.
- Music: Traditional Pacific music, as well as contemporary genres, thrive across the region. Artists like New Zealand’s Lorde and Australia’s Tame Impala have gained global recognition, while Pacific Islander music reflects the region’s unique cultural heritage.
- Art and Craft: Indigenous art forms, including Aboriginal dot painting and Maori carving, are central to Oceania’s creative identity. These art forms are increasingly recognized and celebrated on the global stage.
- Design and Fashion: Oceania’s designers blend traditional motifs with modern aesthetics. Fashion brands like Australia’s Zimmermann and New Zealand’s Karen Walker showcase regional talent globally.
- Gaming and Digital Media: Australia and New Zealand are emerging as hubs for gaming and digital innovation, producing popular titles and fostering a growing community of game developers.
- Literature and Storytelling: The region has a strong literary tradition, with authors like Australia’s Tim Winton and New Zealand’s Witi Ihimaera reflecting the unique experiences and landscapes of Oceania.
Member states
Australia
Cook Islands
Republic of Fidji
Republic of Kiribati
Marshall Islands
Micronesia
Nauru
Niue
New-Zealand
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Solomon Islands
Samoa Islands
Tonga Islands
Tuvalu
Republic of Vanuatu
Did you know?
Oceania (sometimes Oceanica) is a geographical, and often geopolitical, region consisting of numerous lands—mostly islands in the Pacific Ocean and vicinity. The term “Oceania” was coined in 1831 by French explorer Dumont d’Urville. The term is also sometimes used to denote a continent comprising Australia and proximate Pacific islands, and is one of eight terrestrial ecozones.
The boundaries of Oceania are defined in a number of ways. Most definitions include Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea, and all or part of the Malay Archipelago. Ethnologically, the islands that are included in Oceania are divided into the subregions of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Australasia is a region of Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, the island of New Guinea, and neighbouring islands in the Pacific Ocean. The term was coined by Charles de Brosses in Histoire des navigations aux terres australes (1756). He derived it from the Latin for “south of Asia” and differentiated the area from Polynesia (to the east) and the southeast Pacific (Magellanica). It is also distinct from Micronesia (to the northeast).
Trends and Innovations
- Digital Transformation: The rise of digital platforms has allowed creators across Oceania to reach global audiences, from streaming services to online art marketplaces.
- Sustainability: Many creators in Oceania are embracing sustainable practices, reflecting the region’s environmental consciousness and connection to nature.
- Cultural Revival: There is a growing focus on preserving and promoting Indigenous and traditional Pacific Islander art forms and integrating them into contemporary media.
Global Collaboration: Partnerships between Oceania’s creators and international organizations are expanding, enhancing visibility and market access.
Challenges
- Geographic Isolation: Distance from major global markets can make distribution and collaboration challenging.
- Funding and Infrastructure: Smaller nations in Oceania often lack the resources and infrastructure to fully develop their creative industries.
- Cultural Representation: Balancing modern creativity with the preservation of traditional cultural expressions remains a complex issue.
Future Outlook
The creative industries in Oceania are poised for growth, supported by technological advancements, increasing global interest in Indigenous cultures, and government initiatives aimed at fostering the creative economy. By leveraging its unique cultural heritage and embracing innovation, the Oceania region has the potential to further establish itself as a vibrant hub of creativity and artistic expression.
Oceania’s creative industries not only enrich the region’s cultural landscape but also contribute to global diversity, offering fresh perspectives and timeless traditions to the world.
Regional Culture Strategy
Investing in Pacific Cultures 2010–2020
Compiled by the Council of Pacific Arts and Culture and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.
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SPC: Valuing Culture in Oceania
Methodology and indicators for valuing culture, including traditional knowledge, in Oceania
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