The Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) program helps fund the operations of more than 85 Indigenous-owned art centres, and a number of art fairs, regional hubs and industry service organisations that are at the heart of Australia’s world-famous Indigenous visual art movement.

Who can apply

Organisations that support professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to produce, promote and market their art.

When to apply

Applications for the IVAIS 2024–25 and 2025–26 open competitive grant opportunity round closed on 17 November 2024. Application dates for the next open competitive grant opportunity will be advertised on this page.

Funding allocation

Funding of approximately $27 million per annum is allocated directly to organisations through a closed non-competitive process. Approximately $3.5 million per annum is available through an annual open competitive grant round.

About the program

The Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) program supports a professional, viable and ethical Indigenous visual arts industry with strong participation by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Some of Australia's most dynamic visual art is produced in Indigenous art centres, which enable artists to create new art, earn income, develop professional skills and connect to the art market.

Funding is delivered to four primary types of organisation including:

  1. art centres, mostly in remote and very remote locations
  2. industry service organisations
  3. art fairs
  4. arts hubs, mostly in regional or urban locations

The organisations funded through the program together form the infrastructure that provides artists with studio space, materials, art development opportunities, marketing and exhibition support, as well as a range of professional support and services for artists, art centre staff and Directors.

The IVAIS program also supports the Indigenous Art Code, an industry-led voluntary code of conduct that promotes fair and ethical trade between art dealers and Indigenous visual artists.

Funding is offered through open competitive and closed non-competitive grant opportunities. Visit the Australian Government's GrantConnect Homepage for more information.

Applications for the IVAIS 2024–25 and 2025–26 open competitive grant opportunity round opened on 14 October 2024 and closed on 17 November 2024.

Application dates for the next open competitive grant opportunity will be advertised on this page.

Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support Grant Guidelines

The IVAIS program Open Competitive Grant Guidelines and Closed Non-Competitive Grant Guidelines include eligibility criteria and information about the assessment and grant processes, including arts worker employment information.

The Guidelines are updated annually and published on the Australian Government's GrantConnect Homepage (search for Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support under grant opportunities) when applications open.

The Indigenous Art Centre Framework

The IVAIS program is underpinned by the Indigenous Art Centre Framework that provides a cooperative framework for stakeholders to work together to strengthen the industry.

National Cultural Policy—Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place

The IVAIS program is part of the First Nations First pillar in the Australian Government's landmark National Cultural Policy—Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place. The Australian Government has committed to continue investing in First Nations art centres and pivotal industry organisations through the IVAIS program to benefit First Nations communities. Revive is available at National Cultural Policy—Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place.

National Indigenous Visual Arts Action Plan

The National Indigenous Visual Arts Action Plan: 2021–2025 supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, organisations and businesses in their ability to direct and decide on their cultural and economic interests, and the evolution of their industry.

Program logos

The program logos are used to acknowledge Australian Government funding.

Contact

Phone: 1800 006 992
Email: ivais@arts.gov.au

The four main types of funded organisations are:

Art centres—are the primary focus of the funding, are generally located in remote or very remote communities and provide a studio space, materials and marketing for artists that are from one or more local clan groups. Most art centres are stand-alone enterprises, and some are run by Aboriginal Corporations or Shires.

Arts hubs—generally located in the urban or regional centres in the south-eastern parts of Australia, and providing a range of professional support for artists in their region, including through exhibitions and workshops.

Industry service organisations—providing a range of professional development, governance, recruitment and training support for artists, directors and staff. These stand-alone organisations primarily focus on assisting remote art centres to operate.

Art fairs—regional or national marketing events that generally include a main exhibition, a market place and associated satellite exhibitions and events. These are mostly designed for, and attended by, remote and very remote art centres, and a large volume of art is sold through these events.

Funding recipients by year