Grants worth more than $190,000 have been allocated through the latest round of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship, leadership and cultural grant program.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith said the grants support initiatives that promote a better understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and knowledge.
“These grants will support local organisations and community groups to run activities and events that promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to a wide group of Canberrans.
“This provides an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans and non-Indigenous people to come together to learn – keeping heritage and culture strong in our community,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Cultural grant recipients include:
- A First Nation Women’s art exhibition by Belconnen Arts Centre, featuring new works by six Aboriginal women from across Australia who are currently living on Ngunnawal country
- A Bush Tucker Garden to provide an outdoor classroom for Canberra High School students and community members
- Cultural tool making classes provided by the Cuppacumbalong Foundation where participants will learn skills in making coolamons, boomerangs and clap sticks in a culturally safe environment.
Scholarship and leadership grants will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to pursue their study through courses in primary education, community services, adult education, psychology, visual arts, interior design, commerce and electrotechnology.
“These grants support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans to pursue a wide spectrum of interests and aspirations.
“They also support the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028 focus areas of Community Leadership and Lifelong Learning, empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to fully engage in learning and positive generational experiences,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Quote attributable to Monika McInerny Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Belco Arts which has received a Culture grant:
“With the assistance of this cultural grant, we are really excited to be able to bring the Heart Strong: First Nations Women exhibition to the community during this NAIDOC Week. The exhibition will feature new works from six Aboriginal women who are all currently living on Ngunnawal Country including Krystal Hurst, Kayannie Denigan, Natasha Best, Megan Daley, Leah Brideson and Kristie Peters.
“These artists have been selected for the strength of their practice and while their styles of working are diverse, they have much in common as young Aboriginal women who provide strength to their families, their communities and their culture through their art.”
The full list of grant recipients can be found here: www.communityservices.act.gov.au/home/grants
