First Nations arts & languages get $68M boost. Funding for art centres & language revitalisation to support Indigenous cultures.
First Nations arts and language organisations across Australia are set to receive a significant financial injection, with the Albanese Labor Government allocating over $68 million to support vital cultural practices. This funding, distributed through the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) and Indigenous Languages and Arts (ILA) programs, aims to strengthen community-led initiatives and ensure the sustainability of First Nations cultural heritage.
The IVAIS program, which provides more than $38 million over four years, will benefit 83 First Nations-owned art centres, fairs, regional hubs, and industry service organisations. This funding is designed to foster a professional, viable, and ethical First Nations arts industry, enabling artists and arts workers to generate income, develop professional skills, and connect with the art market.
Among the beneficiaries are Arlpwe Artists Aboriginal Corporation, which will use the funds to support its newly established ceramics program in Ali Curung, Northern Territory, by employing an onsite ceramist. Ardyaloon Art and Culture Centre Aboriginal Corporation will bolster the Ingarlgalandji Arts and Culture Hub, providing visual arts services to Bardi Jawi artists on the Dampier Peninsula in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Badhulgaw Kuthinaw Mudh TSI Corporation will undertake urgent upgrades to the Badu Art Centre on Badu Island in the Torres Strait, Far North Queensland, refurbishing its printmaking and textiles workspace.
“Investing in First Nations-owned art centres fosters connection to the world’s oldest living culture and enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to earn income from their works,” said Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy. “The First Nations-owned art centres provide an environment where people can learn about Indigenous culture and ethically purchase artworks.”
In addition to the IVAIS funding, nearly $30 million will be allocated to 70 community-led First Nations language and arts activities through the ILA program. This initiative supports First Nations peoples in expressing, conserving, and sustaining their cultures through languages and arts activities.
Numburindi Development Aboriginal Corporation will use its grant to conserve and revitalise the Wuybuy language of the Numburindi people, employing community members to develop a Wuybuy dictionary and become certified local language teachers and community linguists. Yirra Yaakin Aboriginal Corporation will commission, develop, rehearse, and tour three new Aboriginal language-based theatre shows, incorporating Yamatji and Wongatha languages in productions in Perth, Western Australia.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, emphasised the government’s commitment to its ‘Revive’ cultural policy. “We understand the importance of arts and language in community. It’s how stories and traditions are passed on from generation to generation,” he said. “The Albanese Labor Government is committed to investing now and into the future, so we can make sure the next generation has sustainable language and arts infrastructure supporting them.”
“Our investment in language centres also recognises the proud links First Nations people have to their language, community and Country,” Minister McCarthy added.
The funding, delivered directly to community-led organisations, underscores the government’s dedication to supporting grassroots initiatives that preserve and promote First Nations cultural heritage. This significant investment aims to ensure that future generations have access to the rich tapestry of First Nations arts and languages.
Also read: Indigenous economic power: New report paves a path to prosperity
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