Oct 26, 2011

Aboriginals of Australia: New Program Promises Efficient Funding


In an effort to reenergize and preserve indigenous culture, the Australian Government has committed AU$ 28.3 million to language and visual arts projects and an artefact repatriation program.   Minister Crean, who represents Regional Australia, assured communities that combining the funding processes for these two projects will simplify access to program resources.

Below is an article published by the Office of the Minister for Regional Australia:

The Australian Government has strengthened support for Indigenous culture by streamlining the funding process and launching a new Indigenous Repatriation Policy, Arts Minister Simon Crean announced today (26 October 2011].

Speaking in Perth, Mr Crean said the competitive funding round of $28.3 million for Indigenous culture, languages and visual arts will open this week.

"The Australian Government recognises the value and importance of preserving, revitalising and strengthening Indigenous culture and this funding round sees the creation of a single set of streamlined funding guidelines for Indigenous culture, languages and visual arts projects," Mr Crean said.

"It will make it easier for artists and organisations to access these funds which currently support nearly three hundred Indigenous projects throughout Australia.

"Today [26 October 2011] I launched Yiwarra Kuju: The Canning Stock Route exhibition for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth. This outstanding exhibition, which tells the story of the Canning Stock Route and its impact on Indigenous Australia, is an excellent example of the types of projects supported in past funding rounds."

In the latest round, the names of the Indigenous culture, languages and visual arts funding streams have changed to better reflect the purpose of the funding.

The Maintenance of Indigenous Languages and Records (MILR) program is now called Indigenous Languages Support (ILS) and the National Arts and Crafts Industry Support (NACIS) program is now called Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS). Indigenous Culture Support (ICS) will retain its current name.

Mr Crean also announced a new Australian Government policy on Indigenous Repatriation, strengthening the Government’s commitment to facilitate dialogue between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, national and international collecting institutions and other relevant stakeholders. The Indigenous Repatriation Program underpins the Policy.

"The Indigenous Repatriation Program facilitates the return of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains held in overseas collections and remains and secret sacred objects held within Australian museums to their communities of origin," Mr Crean said.

"Today, the repatriation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains and secret sacred objects provides an opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and to build positive relationships between the collecting institutions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

"The streamlined funding and consolidation of the domestic and international repatriation programs will generate a stronger recognition of Indigenous culture, languages and visual arts both here and internationally."

The latest round of funding is open from 29 October 2011 until 3 February 2012. For more information or to apply visit www.arts.gov.au/indigenous