First Nations visual arts to prosper

The Albanese Labor Government is investing in 42 First Nations art centres and organisations, with more than $5 million in funding through the latest round of the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program.

This program will help fund the operations of art centres, fairs, regional hubs and industry service organisations at the heart of Australia’s world-renowned First Nations visual art sector.

The Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program supports a professional, viable and ethical Indigenous visual arts industry which provides economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. It also fosters the continued production, exhibition, critique, purchase and collection of Indigenous visual art.

The latest round of funding is provided through an annual open-competitive grant opportunity for eligible organisations.

Among the successful recipients:

$137,500 over two years to support Malang Indigenous Corporation to deliver the Malang Artist Together Program, providing marketing, mentoring and professional development support to First Nations visual artists in the New South Wales Hunter region.
$80,000 to Ngarrimili Ltd to develop six exhibitions to showcase the work of Wadawurrung and regional First Nations visual artists at the Aboriginal-owned Murran Gallery in Geelong, Victoria.
$160,000 over two years to Anindilyakwa Royalties Aboriginal Corporation, through Anindilyakwa Arts, to provide professional support and development opportunities to First Nations visual artists on Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the funding will help First Nations art centres and artists to thrive.

“The first pillar of Revive – Australia’s new National Cultural Policy – is First Nations First.” Minister Burke said.

“Since the first sunrise First Nations artists have been telling their stories through art – it’s essential we empower them to continue doing that.

“That’s exactly what this funding will do.”

Find out more about IVAIS funding here https://www.arts.gov.au/funding-and-support/indigenous-visual-arts-industry-support-program