First Nations arts board populated
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The Albanese government has appointed its inaugural First Nations Board for the Arts.
The ten-person Board will drive the establishment of First Nations Arts within Creative Australia, the country’s main arts investment body.
The newly-established board will focus on enhancing opportunities for First Nations artists and strengthening career pathways within various artistic fields, including theatre, dance, film, television, and visual arts.
The aim is to enable broader and more sustainable platforms for Indigenous storytelling, with a view to increase the scale and reach of significant cultural works.
“This Board will ensure that the decisions and investments to support First Nations arts are guided by First Nations people, protocols and principles,” Minister for the Arts Tony Burke says.
First Nations Arts is set to receive dedicated funding starting from 2024-25, allowing the Board to guide future projects with an emphasis on self-determination and cultural integrity.
According to Burke, the diverse expertise of the members will be instrumental in shaping and empowering the sector, which he describes as essential to ensuring Indigenous voices are amplified.
“Empowering First Nations artists to lead their own cultural expression is essential for building resilient communities,” said Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy.
McCarthy further highlighted the role of the Board in fostering authentic storytelling that enriches the national identity.
The Board’s co-chairs, Rachael Maza AM and Philip Watkins, are joined by a group of experienced professionals.
Maza, a Yidinji and Meriam woman, is the Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Ilbijerri Theatre Company, while Watkins, with connections to the Arrernte and Larrakia peoples, leads Desart Incorporated.
Other members bring expertise from across Australia’s cultural and academic landscape, including Noongar composer Clint Bracknell, Wiradjuri dance leader Daniel Riley, and film producer Pauline Clague.
This initiative is part of the broader reforms to Creative Australia aimed at expanding the presence and visibility of First Nations contributions within the Australian arts scene.
With a four-year term starting from 9 September 2024, the Board’s work is expected to create long-term impacts on both national and international platforms for Indigenous arts.