The association was formed to increase the community's understanding and enjoyment of the arts in Australia, and to broaden the cultural discourse in the media.

It proposes to pursue these goals by producing radio, television, cinema and new media products, and arranging their distribution, publication, performance or exhibition in community, commercial and national venues and media, as finance and opportunity allows.

The association seeks also to enhance the skills and experience of its members, as communicators and media producers, and to innovate in form, content and technique within the media technologies, new and old.

The Foundation produces the radio and the internet edition of ARTS alive, which is syndicated nationally on the CBAA satellite service, and on audio cassette via the Aboriginal Program Exchange.

The production of ARTS alive is financially assisted by the Community Broadcasting Foundation.