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CULTURE

The concept of 'culture' constitutes the way of life for society, encompassing its customs, rituals, pastimes and pleasures.

Culture includes cultural and natural heritage, language, religious practices, identity and background, the creative and performing arts, literature, film and video, libraries, the Internet, and radio and television.

Cultural activities are essential to a shared sense of quality of life.


CULTURAL PURSUITS

The 2002 General Social Survey, which was conducted throughout Australia from March to July 2002, examined attendance at selected cultural venues and events by people aged 18 years and over.

During the 12 months before interview in 2002, the most popular cultural pursuit of Tasmanians was attending the cinema (59.7% of Tasmanians), followed by attending the library (42.7%), botanic gardens (34.9%) and museum (32.2%). (Source: Attendance at Selected Cultural Venues and Events, Australia (cat. no. 4114.0)).


HERITAGE

Tasmania’s heritage is drawn from its cultural and natural environments. The Register of the National Estate, maintained by the Australian Heritage Council, is a listing of those places of Australia’s Indigenous, historic and natural heritage that have special value for present and future generations.

HERITAGE LISTINGS ON THE REGISTER OF THE NATIONAL ESTATE - January 2007(a)
	Tasmania	Australia(b)
Type of listing	no.	no.
Indigenous	66	917
Historical	1,210	10,085
Natural	263	2,127
Total	1,539	13,129
(a) Does not include those on the Interim List. (b) Includes external territories e.g. Antarctica, Lord Howe Island etc Source: Australian Heritage Commission, Annual Report 2002-2003.