Transforming Markets for First Nations Arts, Craft and Design

Seven Queensland-based First Nations artists and arts organisations will receive funding of more than $625,000 through the  Palaszczuk Government’s First Nations Art, Craft and Design: Transforming Marketplaces program, Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch today announced.

“This investment, an initiative of the $22.5 million Arts and Cultural Recovery Package, will support the ambitions of the First Nations arts sector to grow and showcase work to larger audiences, generating increased economic benefits,” Minister Enoch said.

“In Far North Queensland, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) will produce a series of video podcasts to complement its annual event with year-round access to new markets, while Girringun Aboriginal Corporation will grow its brand and online shop to showcase the region’s rainforest cultures on a global scale.

“Brisbane-based BlakSeed Art and Apparel will establish supply and distribution channels for its unique art and apparel by increasing production of clothing and upgrading digital marketing capability, website development and social media strategy. 

“The Cherbourg Historical Precinct Group’s The Ration Shed Market Place will build digital capacity to create pathways for new audiences, and develop its trainee program, while Surat Aboriginal Corporation’s Bamba Gil will boost professional development through industry workshops.” Minister Enoch said.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said two successful projects in the Torres Strait Islands would strengthen digital distribution platforms.

“Strait Experience will create an online art space with an innovative approach to sell Torres Strait Islander artists’ works, while Indigenous Art Centres in Badu, Erub and Moa will collaborate in the project Digital Media Activation - Zenadth Kes (DMAZK) to establish unique digital brands and social media strategies under a shared services approach,” Ms Lui said.

Jack Wilkie-Jans, CIAF Marketing & Communications Manager said CIAF remains dedicated to continuing to promote the Indigenous artists of Queensland, their cultures and their insights to the world.

“Exclusive digital content can achieve that. Furthermore, it plays true to CIAF's goal to see blak narratives recorded and part of the broader cultural zeitgeist,” Mr Wilkie -Jans said.

“With digital record keeping, like podcasts, documentaries, and recorded conversations, passing our cultures on to future generations ensures the continued survival and growth of our peoples.

“In that regard, we thank the Queensland Government for their valued support in our work, keeping our cultures strong and with opportunity,” he said.

Minister Enoch said the funding helped to elevate First Nations arts, supporting delivery of a key priority of the Palaszczuk Government’s Creative Together 2020-2030: A 10-Year Roadmap for arts, culture and creativity in Queensland.

“This investment, along with an additional $50 million in arts funding over the next four years to support the second Creative Together action plan, places Queensland is in a strong position to expand our capacity to distribute high quality First Nations artwork and meet growing demand, which is set to accelerate ahead of Brisbane 2032.”

FIRST NATIONS ART, CRAFT AND DESIGN: TRANSFORMING MARKETPLACES OUTCOMES:

• Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) Limited - CIAF 2022-23 Digital Growth Opportunities –(Cairns)  
• Ngalmun Lagau Minaral TSI Corp (Moa Arts) - Digital Media Activation - Zenadth Kes (DMAZK) – (Torres Strait Islands) 
• Cherbourg Historical Precinct Group Inc. - Ration Shed Market Place and Digital Strategy – (Cherbourg)   
• Girringun Aboriginal Corporation - Shop Girringun + Virtual Girringun 3.0 – (Cardwell)
• Strait Experience - Strait Experience - ecommerce for Indigenous art – (Torres Strait Islands)    
• Mr Lucas Schober - BlakSeed Art and Apparel – (Brisbane) 
• Surat Aboriginal Corporation - Bamba Gii Merchandise – (Surat)

For more information, go to: https://www.arts.qld.gov.au/

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Bill Walker 0437 859 987