Celebrating Australian arts and culture in Brazil

Today I will launch Australia now – showcasing Australia's creativity and innovation – to coincide with the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Brazil will host over 50 Australian cultural events and performances across 10 cities promoting Australia.

Australia now will showcase our creative industries in film, photography, fashion, dance, design and music, our world-class education and research facilities, and our experience in mining, agribusiness, water management and financial services.

The program will highlight Australia as an exciting tourist destination and further enhance Australia's strong relationship with Brazil.

Brazil is Australia's largest trading partner in South America and our largest source of in-bound students outside of Asia.

Each year the Australian Government delivers a cultural festival in a country of strategic significance, to raise Australia's profile and build an understanding of our country. In 2017, Australia's cultural programwill be hosted in Germany.