Miles Doing What Matters: New fund accelerates First Nations-led fashion and textiles industry growth

• The new First Nations Fashion and Textiles Accelerator Fund will support First Nations artists working with clothing and textiles design to expand production and connect to new markets.
• The Fund is a key initiative of the First Nations Fashion and Textiles Plan 2024-2026 recently launched by the Miles Government. 
• The Plan supports ethical and sustainable growth of the First Nations-led fashion and textiles industry in Queensland in readiness for bigger markets including opportunities provided by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch today announced the opening of the First Nations Fashion and Textiles Accelerator Fund, part of the Queensland Government’s First Nations Fashion and Textiles Plan 2024-2026 launched in July.

The new fund will support First Nations artists in Queensland who are working with fashion and textiles industry to share their stories, celebrate their cultural identity and maximise the economic potential of their art.

Established First Nations fashion and textile artists and businesses that produce wearable art, and ready to wear fashion collections, and fabrics showcasing local artists work are encouraged to apply to the Fund to increase production, enter new collaborations and expand into national and international markets.

The Plan is backed by Queensland Government investment of $800,000 over two years, with initiatives supported through the First Nations Fashion and Textiles Accelerator Fund working to grow creative practice and capability, broaden industry markets and enable scalable First Nations-led industry development.

Grants of up to $30,000 are available for projects that contribute to business growth, such as skills development, residency programs or small-scale equipment purchases. For projects that demonstrate significant commercial outcomes, such as investment in infrastructure or growth of product lines, grants of up to $60,000 are available.

The Fund is a key action of the First Nations Fashion and Textiles Plan 2024-2026, to support First Nations arts and cultural practitioners and communities to realise the ambition for sustainable growth of a First Nations-led fashion and textile industry in Queensland.  

A First Nations Art and Design Procurement Framework and Guidelines will prioritise and protect Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual property (ICIP) in readiness for bigger markets, ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The First Nations Fashion and Textiles Accelerator Fund is now open. Applications close at 2pm, November 18, 2024.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch:

“The First Nations-led fashion and textiles industry in Queensland is anchored in ancient and enduring cultural practices and provides audiences and markets with a range of opportunities to engage with First Nations stories,” Minister Enoch said.

“From high end couture to fabrics for furnishing, First Nations artists, creatives, collectives and communities in Queensland have a unique and powerful presence in Australia’s fashion and textile industry.

“The new First Nations Fashion and Textile Accelerator Fund being delivered through the Miles Government’s Creative Together 2020-2030 roadmap will support First Nations creatives to elevate their work, strengthen and grow their businesses and embrace the exciting opportunities of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Quotes attributable to Mr Daniel Gshwind, Chair of Trade and Investment Queensland

“Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) is committed to working with all First Nations businesses to make the most of their enormous potential to create new national and international trade opportunities. 

“This fund as a key action of the First Nations Fashion and Textiles Plan will build on the quality and diversity of the industry in Queensland and leverage the increasing global recognition for its unique designs and products,” Mr Gshwind said. 

 “First Nations peoples have a long history of trading in our region, and through enhanced partnerships and market access First Nations designers and creatives will be supported to secure increased opportunities for economic participation and cultural export.”

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

• The First Nations Fashion and Textiles Accelerator Fund is open for applications from Queensland based First Nations artists and businesses focused on clothing and textiles design and production.
• Applicants to the fund can apply for grants for new activities that support commercial outcomes including expanding production, innovating creative and business practice and expanding into new markets.
• The Fund is a key action of the Queensland Government’s First Nations Fashion and Textiles Plan 2024-2026 delivered through the Queensland Government’s Creative Together 2020-2030 roadmap and its second action plan, Grow 2022-2026.

For more information please visit: https://www.arts.qld.gov.au/

ENDS

Media contact – Kim Sweetman 0457 600 237