Indigenous Languages and Arts program

The Indigenous Languages and Arts (ILA) program invests around $20 million per annum to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to express, preserve and maintain their cultures through languages and arts activities around Australia.

First Nations languages and arts are integral to the identity, connection with culture and emotional health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and are essential to maintaining the vitality and strength of Indigenous communities.

The ILA program includes operational funding support to a network of 20 Indigenous Language Centres across the country working on capturing, preserving and maintaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. The ILA program also supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to develop, produce, present, exhibit or perform Indigenous arts projects that showcase Australia's traditional and contemporary Indigenous cultural and artistic expressions.

Funding

The ILA program supports community-led organisations with grant funding administered through an annual open competitive grant opportunity and a restricted competitive grant opportunity which is by invitation only. Further information about upcoming ILA grant opportunities is available on the ILA program funding page.

Indigenous Languages and Arts—impacts of COVID-19

COVID-19 (or coronavirus) is having unprecedented effects on communities in Australia and around the world. The Australian Government is working across all Government portfolios to support all Australian communities. The particular effects of COVID-19 on creative and cultural activity are evident and continue to be considered as part of the national response.

Up to date information about COVID-19 and how it relates to the arts sector, can be found at arts.gov.au/COVID-19-update.

We understand the serious impact COVID-19 is having on the delivery of language and cultural activities, including those supported through the ILA program. Please be assured that we will continue to provide administrative support for your funded activities.

Please find at the link below responses to frequently asked questions we are hearing from ILA grant recipients. We will endeavour to update this document regularly pending developments with the Australian Government's response to the evolving COVID-19 situation and the emerging issues you raise.