First Nations Arts and Culture
Mary Katatjuku Pan from Amata (SA) with Punu Kutjara. 2016. Image by Rhett Hammerton. Copyright Tjanpi Desert Weavers, NPY Women’s Council
Funding
Funding is dedicated to First Nations people, groups and organisations. This funding is assessed wholly by First Nations peers.
First Nations people, groups and organisations are welcome to make applications for activities with vibrancy in artistic and cultural expressions.
Need help with your application? Contact a Grants Officer now
Impacts of COVID-19 on First Nations arts and culture
This paper outlines the immediate and longer term needs, concerns and potentially catastrophic impacts for First Nations arts and culture in light of COVID-19. This includes potential for the most significant loss of arts, culture and language since the arrival of the First Fleet. Drawing on research and sector intelligence, the paper highlights opportunities for First Nations arts specific support and cross-portfolio advocacy and engagement.
Closing the Gap
The Australia Council’s submission to the Closing the Gap Refresh advocates for increased investment in First Nations arts and cultural expression, cultural maintenance, and First Nations-led culturally based solutions across portfolios. It draws on the growing body of evidence showing participation in arts and culture supports outcomes across the Closing the Gap framework.
Our submission was developed in collaboration with our First Nations stakeholders. First Nations peoples’ indivisible rights to culture and self-determination are central in our submission. For decades, First Nations peoples have advocated for the critical role of culture – as a necessary part of the solution to First Nations disadvantage, and for the healing and strengthening of individuals and communities. However, culture has been the missing element from the Closing the Gap framework to date. Funding for First Nations culture made up just 1% of total direct government expenditure for First Nations Australians in 2015–16, and cultural outcomes have not featured in the measurement framework.
Now is the moment to invest in the inherent value and foundational role of strong culture in the Closing the Gap agenda.
Click here to read more.
Mary Katatjuku Pan from Amata (SA) with Punu Kutjara. 2016. Image by Rhett Hammerton. Copyright Tjanpi Desert Weavers
Opportunities for First Nations Artists
Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups
September 6, 2022 3:00 pm (AEST)
$10,000 to $50,000
This program funds a range of activities that deliver benefits to the arts sector and wider public, including national and international audiences and communities.
Arts Projects for Organisations
September 6, 2022 3:00 pm (AEST)
$20,000 to $100,000
This program funds a range of activities that deliver benefits to the arts sector and wider public, including national and international audiences and communities. Organisations that undertake arts programs, projects, or that provide services to artists, are welcome to apply.
Contemporary Music Touring Program
September 6, 2022 3:00 pm (AEST)
$5,000 – $50,000
The Contemporary Music Touring Program (CMTP) supports national touring activity undertaken by Australian musicians performing original contemporary music.
Fellowships
September 6, 2022 3:00 pm (AEST)
$80,000
Australia Council Fellowships of $80,000 support outstanding, established artists’ or arts workers’ creative activity and professional development for a period of up to two years.
CINARS 2022 Biennale
September 6, 2022 3:00 pm (AEST)
Established in 1984, taking place every two years, CINARS is one of the most important international showcases and networking events attracting over 1900 performing arts professionals from around the globe.
International Engagement Fund
September 6, 2022 3:00 pm (AEST)
Our vision is for Australian arts, culture and creativity to be thriving and known globally for its innovation, sustainability and diversity.
Call for Digital Strategists
We are currently seeking proposals for digital strategists and creative technologists to consult with arts organisations on digital strategy and transformation.
Digital Transformation for the Creative Industries
Digital Transformation for the Creative Industries is an online short course designed specifically for artists and arts and creative workers it is best suited for those with a beginner or intermediate understanding of the digital space as it relates to the creative industries.
Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups
$10,000 to $50,000
This program funds a range of activities that deliver benefits to the arts sector and wider public, including national and international audiences and communities.Arts Projects for Organisations
$20,000 to $100,000
This program funds a range of activities that deliver benefits to the arts sector and wider public, including national and international audiences and communities. Organisations that undertake arts programs, projects, or that provide services to artists, are welcome to apply.Contemporary Music Touring Program
$5,000 – $50,000
The Contemporary Music Touring Program (CMTP) supports national touring activity undertaken by Australian musicians performing original contemporary music.Fellowships
$80,000
Australia Council Fellowships of $80,000 support outstanding, established artists’ or arts workers’ creative activity and professional development for a period of up to two years.