Indigenous

The Office for the Arts (OFTA) administers a range of Australian Government funding that supports Indigenous culture, languages and visual arts.

Latest news

2012-13 Indigenous culture, languages, visual arts and broadcasting funding round now open

On 24 October 2011 the Minister for the Arts announced the opening of the 2012-13 funding round for Indigenous culture, languages and visual arts.

Applications close 5.00pm Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time, 3 February 2012. For more information see How to apply.

For more information about the Indigenous Broadcasting Program and how to apply see the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy’s website.

Name changes for Indigenous languages and visual arts funding

On 24 October 2011, the Minister for the Arts announced changes to the names for Indigenous language and visual arts funding:

• The Maintenance of Indigenous Languages and Records (MILR) program is now called Indigenous Languages Support (ILS)
• The National Arts and Crafts Industry Support (NACIS) program is now called Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS).

Why the change?

This year, to make it simpler to apply for funding from OFTA, there is a single set of guidelines for OFTA’s three funding streams: Indigenous culture, languages and visual arts. Along with the new guidelines, the names for Indigenous languages and visual arts funding (previously MILR and NACIS) have been simplified to more clearly state what OFTA supports. The new guidelines, available at How to apply, provide information about applying for funding through one or more of OFTA’s Indigenous culture, languages and visual arts funding streams.

Consolidation of Indigenous repatriation programs

A new Australian Government Indigenous Repatriation Policy - August 2011 (486 KB PDF) | (901 KB RTF) has been announced by the Minister for the Arts.

The policy consolidates the international and domestic repatriation programs to form one program – the Indigenous Repatriation Program.

The Indigenous Repatriation Program will continue to seek the unconditional return of Indigenous ancestral remains from overseas institutions and the return of secret sacred objects from Australian major museums to their communities of origin.

Transfer of responsibility for the Indigenous Broadcasting Program

On 1 July 2011, responsibility for the Indigenous Broadcasting Program (IBP) transferred from the Office for the Arts (OFTA) to the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. This transfer occurred in response to a recommendation made by the Review of Australian Government Investment in Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector 2010.

To maintain the continuity of program administration, 2012-13 IBP applications will be administered by OFTA staff in the National Network. 

The 2012-13 IBP funding round is now open. For more information about the IBP and how to apply see the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy’s website.

For enquiries or assistance in lodging an application please contact OFTA on 1800 006 992.

Indigenous culture, languages, repatriation and visual arts funding administered by OFTA

• Indigenous Culture Support (ICS)
• Indigenous Languages Support (ILS)
• Indigenous Repatriation Program (IRP)
• Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS)
• Indigenous Employment Initiative (IEI) in the arts and cultural sectors

Other policies and programs supporting Indigenous arts and culture

• Indigenous languages - a national approach
  The Australian Government’s National Indigenous Languages Policy is a commitment to bring attention to Australia's Indigenous languages, reinforce their use and use language to strengthen identity and pride in culture.
• Indigenous Contemporary Music Action Plan 
  Australian and New Zealand Cultural Ministers have adopted the Plan to encourage governments to help the Indigenous contemporary music sector achieve its full potential.
• Breakthrough: Emerging Indigenous Contemporary Musicians Recording Initiative
  The Breakthrough program provides funding to emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands to produce a high quality recording of original tracks, suitable for broadcasting and commercial release.
• Indigenous Art Code
  An industry-led voluntary code of conduct that aims to ensure fair and ethical trade between art dealers and Indigenous visual artists.
• Resale royalty scheme
  established under the Resale Royalty Right for Visual Artists Act 2009, commenced on 9 June 2010. Under the scheme, artists are eligible to receive five per cent of the sale price when their original works are resold through the art market for $1000 or more.

Related programs administered by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

• Indigenous Broadcasting Program (IBP)
  To maintain the continuity of program administration, 2012-13 IBP applications will be administered by OFTA staff in the National Network. 
• National Indigenous Television
• Indigenous Remote Radio Replacement Program

Related programs administered by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

• Indigenous Heritage Program (IHP)

Quicklinks

• Australian Government Indigenous portal

Contacts

For information on OFTA's Indigenous arts, culture and languages programs contact the National Network on 1800 006 992.