Funding for Indigenous arts and economic development

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts centres in 12 Queensland communities are creating new work and economic opportunities with Queensland Government funding.

Premier and Minister for the Arts Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced $200 000 for the Indigenous Regional Arts Development Fund 2015–2016, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

“Queensland’s Indigenous art centres and cultural celebrations are a vital part of community life and are a powerful force on the Australian arts scene,” the Premier said.

“The Indigenous Regional Arts Development Fund, established in the late 90s, helps to maintain successful art programs, create employment and build economic development in Queensland’s Indigenous communities.

“We continue to see great outcomes from this funding. In June, artists from Pormpuraaw travelled to the 2015 Laura Dance Festival, a biennial gathering in Cape York Peninsula, to participate and enjoy language, song, dance and stories from more than 20 communities across the region.”

“The journey to create and display work is not always easy for Indigenous communities as they are often located in remote areas, hundreds of kilometres from the nearest service centre, so the Indigenous Regional Arts Development Fund can have a significant impact,” the Premier said.

Past recipient Hope Vale saw artists produce a series of high quality works for the 2014 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) and then travel to Cairns to gain experience in curating and selling art during CIAF.

Dancers in Lockhart River developed and performed a contemporary dance piece and participated in a traditional dance master class that was filmed for NITV and the ABC.

“My Government is committed to supporting Indigenous communities through the Indigenous Regional Arts Fund, helping to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ continued contribution to Queensland’s vibrant economic, social and cultural life,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

A full list of funding follows.

Indigenous Regional Arts Development Fund 2015-2016