A total of 89 First Nations-owned art centres, art fairs, regional hubs and industry service organisations across the country will share in the funding.

Mervyn Rubuntja 2021, painting in the Iltja Ntjarra Studio. Image courtesy: Shaana McNaught, Tourism NT.

The Australian Government’s Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support Program supports a professional, viable and ethical First Nations arts industry - enabling artists to create, earn income, develop professional skills and connect to the art market. 

Funding is delivered direct to community-led organisations including art centres (mostly in remote and very remote locations), industry service organisations, art fairs and regional arts hubs.

Amongst the recipients are:

Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation – Qld. – Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation's Mornington Island Arts is located on Mornington Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria and supports artists from three different language groups whose work reflects their strong connections to land and culture. New project funding will support the development of the Guba Dangka Workspace - Men's Creative Space. 

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair - NT –The annual Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) showcases contemporary art from over 60 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art centres. New project funding will support DAAF to further promote Indigenous art centres and artists through the development of a new digital platform. The platform will showcase Indigenous artwork, events and exhibitions, share industry opportunities and research, creating a space for storytelling and knowledge sharing.

Arts Law Centre of Australia (Arts Law) – National - Arts Law’s Artists in the Black program delivers targeted services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists nationally. New two-year funding will support Arts Law to deliver expert legal advice, seminars and training about protecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property.

Funding has been awarded through both open competitive and closed non-competitive grants opportunities and will be delivered from 2023-24 for projects running for up to three years.

Read the minister’s media release.

Image: Mervyn Rubuntja 2021, painting in the Iltja Ntjarra Studio. Image courtesy: Shaana McNaught, Tourism NT.