The Bureau of Communications, Arts and Regional Research (BCARR) undertakes research and provides economic and data analysis on communications, arts, cities and regions to support evidence-based policy development and advice.

Select your area of interest below or explore our menu.

Communications

See our research and analysis of the communications and media sectors.

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Arts

View our research and analysis of the arts sector and cultural and creative parts of the economy.

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Regions and Cities

The economic and social characteristics of Australia’s regions and cities vary significantly. Our spatial research and analysis improves our understanding of these differences and enables location appropriate development.

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Data Dashboards

Our data dashboards provide an interactive way of monitoring, measuring, analysing, and generating insights from different datasets.

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Publications

At a glance: Cultural and Creative Activity in Australia, 2014–15 to 2023–24

Frequently Asked Questions: Cultural and Creative Activity in Australia, 2014–15 to 2023–24

Visual Summary: Cultural and Creative Activity in Australia, 2014–15 to 2023–24

Digital exclusion in Australia – Evidence from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey

This research paper uses the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey to gain insights into the socioeconomic characteristics of people without access to the internet.  Full report

Australian youth online – Findings from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children

This report analyses the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) to understand the experiences of technology use for a group of young Australians. Full report

At a glance: Cultural and Creative Activity in Australia, 2008–09 to 2022–23 (Methodology Refresh)

Cultural and Creative Activity in Australia, 2008–09 to 2022–23 (Methodology Refresh)—Statistical Working Paper

This publication provides new estimates for the economic contribution of cultural and creative activity in Australia.

Analysis of the Cultural and Creative Sector—Revive: Sectoral Analysis

11 September 2025: A typo in the December 2024 report (page 4) was corrected. This document is structured in two parts:

Analysis of Low Earth Orbit Satellites: Implications for Australia’s agriculture and mining sectors

This report explores the potential economic impacts of Low Earth Orbit satellites, with a focus on Australia’s agriculture and mining sectors.

Telecommunications affordability and access for First Nations households: Learnings from the HILDA survey (2024)

Summary