A new fund to support First Nations arts and cultural groups during the COVID-19 pandemic has been announced by the Australia Council for the Arts.
Eligible arts and cultural groups and organisations can apply for grants of up to $25,000 through the new $500,000 ‘Cherish Fund’.
Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts at the Council, Lydia Miller said the fund had been informed by the Council’s regular First Nations Roundtables, sector discussions and consultations.
“Now, more than ever, we must invest in First Nations arts and culture and artists,” Ms Miller said.
“A key theme to emerge during consultations is the need to protect Senior Custodians and Elders as the source of cultural knowledge and artistic expression through song, dance, story, images and narrative.”
She said the fund would also support artists to explore innovative artistic and creative models, and arts workers to navigate an increasingly digital world, helping them adapt to ensure sustainable careers during Australia’s phased recovery from the impact of COVID-19.
Ms Miller said the fund would support three streams of activity.
These included Living Libraries, supporting cultural knowledge; Creative Practice, supporting artistic creative expression, and Creative Workforce, supporting art workers in a digital world.
Applications for the Cherish Fund are open until 15 June with details available at this PS News link.
