Regenerate, AFTRS’ Corporate Strategy 2026-2031, sets out the School’s ambition to shape Australia’s culture through story and prepare creative practitioners to thrive in a rapidly evolving screen and audio landscape.
At the core of the strategy is a belief that Australia’s future is shaped by the stories we tell. Positioned at the heart of the screen and audio industries, AFTRS will deliver world-leading education that equips creatives with the capabilities, craft and confidence to build enduring careers, connect with audiences and contribute to Australia’s stories and culture.
Regenerate signals the School’s role within cycles of cultural, industrial and institutional change and renewal: we regenerate our thinking, our curriculum, our partnerships, our practices, so that our students can play their part in regenerating both our industries, and our culture.
The strategy is built around five interconnected pillars:
Storytelling Excellence focuses on developing skilled graduates who can connect with audiences at home and around the world. Through innovative curriculum, bold creative collaboration and learning informed and led by First Nations knowings and approaches, AFTRS will equip students with the craft, capability and confidence to engage audiences.
Industry-Aligned Learning ensures education and training both respond to and inform an evolving industry. Working in partnership with industry, AFTRS will develop future-ready practitioners with the creative, leadership and entrepreneurial skills to build enduring careers.
Equity and Engagement extends opportunities for creative learning and connection across Australia. Through accessible training, meaningful student experiences and community-led partnerships, AFTRS will grow participation and strengthen shared capability.
Creative Innovation and Research puts imagination and inquiry at the centre of shared creative futures. AFTRS will foster experimentation, build research partnerships and explore emerging technologies and methodologies to generate new knowledge and inform creative practice.
Sustainable Impact supports a thriving and resilient AFTRS while strengthening its capacity for sector leadership. The School will focus on financial and operational resilience, environmentally and socially responsible practice, adaptability and the wellbeing of its community.
Together, these priorities position AFTRS to empower storytellers who define our shared culture through inclusive, ethical and innovative practice, grounded in First Nations cultures and enriched by the diversity of Australia’s communities.