Indigenous culture, languages and visual arts funding

The Australian Government recognises the value and importance of preserving, revitalising and strengthening Indigenous culture and does so by providing funding to support Indigenous culture, languages and visual arts:

Indigenous Culture Support (ICS)

ICS supports participation by Indigenous Australians in cultural activities and the transmission of knowledge and skills across generations to build sustainable communities.

For more about ICS download a fact sheet (559 KB PDF) or go the ICS page.

Indigenous Languages Support (ILS)

(Formerly the Maintenance of Indigenous Languages and Records program.)

ILS supports the maintenance, transmission and revival of Indigenous languages.

For more about ILS download a fact sheet (802 KB PDF) or go to the ILS page.

Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS)

(Formerly the National Arts and Crafts Industry Support program.)

IVAIS supports the operations of Indigenous art centres and allied industry organisations with the aim of building a stronger Indigenous visual arts industry.

For more about IVAIS download a fact sheet (744 KB PDF) or go the IVAIS page.

Why the name changes?

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.