Funding for First Nations communities to celebrate culture through languages and arts

The Australian Government is delivering close to $10 million to 51 projects across the country aimed at promoting, sharing and conserving First Nations languages and arts culture. 

The Indigenous Languages and Arts program will invest over $37 million in 2024-25 to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to express, conserve and sustain their cultures through languages and arts activities throughout Australia.

The program recognises that languages and arts are integral to the identity, connection with culture and emotional health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke said the funding aligns with the Government’s National Cultural Policy, Revive, in putting First Nations first.

“First Nations peoples are our country’s first storytellers.

“This funding will help to safeguard and strengthen First Nations languages and cultural expressions so these stories can continue to be told and added to for generations to come.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney said communities are doing vital work to keep First Nations languages strong.

“The Australian Government is proud to support these innovative, community-led projects in their commitment to revitalise, share and celebrate First Nations art and culture.”

Amongst the recipients are:

• Pila Nguru Aboriginal Corporation – support to maintain and actively promote the practice of Pitjantjatjara sign language in Tjuntjuntjara community, Western Australia, by creating a community archive including a book, videos and interactive flashcards.
• Gadhungal Marring Pty Ltd – support to deliver an immersive language program for Indigenous youth, with children learning traditional language by creating song and dance showcased by community corroborees and participating in a language camp on Country.
• Melbourne Fringe – funding to develop and present five new First Nations performance works by emerging and established artists for the Deadly Fringe program, including providing artistic and cultural support to ensure strong community engagement and cultural protocols.

The full list of recipients can be found at Indigenous Languages and Arts program | Office for the Arts.