First Nations Artists to thrive

Dept of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications

More than 85 First Nations art centres and artists will benefit from more than $29 million in funding through 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 vibrant and world-renowned First Nations visual art sector.

The IVAIS program supports the 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.

Funding is provided through two streams, a closed non-competitive grant for organisations currently funded under the program through multi-year grant agreements and an annual open-competitive opportunity for eligible organisations.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the funding would help centre First Nations art and artists.

“First Nations people have been telling stories through art since the first sunrise, and it’s critical we continue to support them being told.

“It’s why the first pillar of Revive – Australia’s National Cultural Policy – is First Nations First.

“This funding supports Australia’s thriving Indigenous arts industry, while investing in the next generation of storytellers.”

/Public Release. View in full here.