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Stacey Collee, Andrea Illés (pictured), Alice Tsiavos, WARM ARCHIVE, 2023, West Space Window, Collingwood Yards.
Accessibility resources
Creative Australia is committed to ensuring greater access to our programs and services for d/Deaf and disabled people and those who do not speak English as a first language.
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Download key logos and guidelines for Creative Australia. All recipients of Creative Australia’s grants and opportunities must provide appropriate acknowledgment.
Protocols for using First Nations cultural and intellectual property in the arts
A detailed guide to protocols for using First Nations cultural and intellectual property in the arts, designed for artists and creative workers.
Governance hub
In consultation with the arts and cultural sector we have developed a series of guides that support effective, efficient and inclusive governance practices.
Think Digital
Think Digital is a self-assessment tool for arts and cultural organisations that offers a digital capabilities overview and supports the development of a digital strategy.
Digital case studies
Case studies exploring how cultural practitioners use digital platforms and approaches to make innovative new work and build connections with audiences.
Languages other than English
We accept applications in languages other than English, including Auslan and First Nations languages.
Payment of artists
Creative Australia affirms the principle that artists should be paid for their work and earn income from copyright, royalties and consultancy work.
Other sources of funding
A useful list of other funding opportunities for artists, creative workers and arts organisations.
External resources
Revive
The Australian Government’s National Cultural Policy is a five-year plan to revive the arts in Australia (2023).
Equity: the Arts and Disability Associated Plan
The Australian Government’s four-year roadmap aimed at achieving greater equity for creatives and audiences with disability across the country.
Australian Cultural Fund
The Australian Cultural Fund is an online fundraising and donation platform for the Australian arts and cultural sector, administered by Creative Australia.
Use the form to fill in your details
‘First Nations arts and cultural expressions are a powerful source of strength, resilience, pride and wellbeing. They showcase talent, innovation and excellence; and bring communities together in celebration, healing, and the grounding force of identity. They connect us to the land on which we live, and to 75,000 years of unbroken civilisation, knowledge, story and song.’
— Bringing it Forward
First Nations Arts and Culture at Creative Australia is built on a foundation of self-determination, cultural authority and advocacy, ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples lead and shape the future of First Nations arts and culture. Our history is deeply connected to the establishment of the Aboriginal Arts Board in 1973, a landmark initiative under the Australia Council for the Arts. It was the first government-funded arts board led entirely by First Nations people, recognising the inherent rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to control and direct their own cultural and creative expressions. The Board played a crucial role in funding and supporting First Nations artists, cultural practitioners and organisations, paving the way for a strong, self-determined arts sector.
Through our ongoing investments, we aim to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities, promoting intergenerational knowledge and fostering innovative cultural expressions. Our strategic vision is outlined in the First Nations Arts and Culture Strategy 2023-27.
As the First Nations arts sector grew, so did the need for governance structures that reflected the evolving aspirations of communities. Building on the establishment of the Aboriginal Arts Board in 1973, The First Nations Arts and Culture Strategy Panel was formed to provide strategic advice, ensuring that decision-making remained firmly in First Nations hands. Through extensive consultation with First Nations artists, organisations and cultural leaders, the panel shaped the governance and policy direction that led to the creation of the First Nations Board. This board now sits within Creative Australia, building on the legacy of First Nations-led governance to ensure that policies, funding and initiatives remain grounded in First Nations ways of knowing, being and doing.
A significant milestone in this ongoing journey was the Parrumpa: First Nations Arts and Culture Gathering, held in 2022 on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country (Canberra). Parrumpa was the largest national gathering of First Nations artists, cultural practitioners, and leaders in decades. It was a momentous event that reaffirmed the importance of First Nations self-determination in arts and culture, with more than 300 delegates coming together to shape priorities for the sector. The insights and recommendations from Parrumpa directly informed the development of government policy, strengthening the case for greater investment, leadership, and long-term sustainability for First Nations arts and culture.
This momentum was further reinforced through Revive: A Place for Every Story, A Story for Every Place, the Australian Government’s National Cultural Policy launched in 2023. Revive places First Nations arts and culture at the heart of the national creative landscape, recognising the central role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first storytellers, knowledge holders, and cultural custodians of this continent. One of the key commitments under Revive was the establishment of Creative Australia and the First Nations-led governance structures that now guide our division. Revive also underscores the need for cultural sovereignty, ethical engagement, and greater investment in First Nations creative industries, ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and organisations have the resources and autonomy to thrive.
Today, the First Nations Board continues to embed First Nations-led decision-making at the core of Creative Australia. It champions the rights of First Nations artists to tell their own stories, share their cultural knowledge, and contribute to a vibrant and self-sustaining arts sector. Through decades of advocacy and leadership, we remain steadfast in our commitment to First Nations cultural sovereignty, fostering community-led initiatives and investing in the long-term sustainability of the sector.
By centring First Nations voices, upholding cultural authority, and advancing self-determination, we continue to honour the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while shaping a future defined by creative excellence, resilience and cultural strength.
1973 – Establishment of the Aboriginal Arts Board
The Aboriginal Arts Board is formed under the Australia Council for the Arts, becoming the first government-funded arts board led entirely by First Nations people. It champions self-determination, supporting First Nations artists, cultural practitioners, and organisations.
1990s – Transition to First Nations Advisory Structures
The governance model evolves, with First Nations leaders continuing to shape funding and policy frameworks within the Australia Council.
2012 – Creation of the Australia Council’s First Nations Arts Strategy
A dedicated First Nations Arts Strategy is established, embedding First Nations-led decision-making in arts funding and policy development.
2019 – First Nations Arts and Culture Strategy Panel Established
The First Nations Arts and Culture Strategy Panel is formed, providing strategic advice and ensuring First Nations voices guide governance and investment priorities.
2022 – Parrumpa: First Nations Arts and Culture Gathering
The largest national gathering of First Nations artists, cultural practitioners, and leaders in decades is held on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country (Canberra). Insights from Parrumpa directly inform future governance structures and policy directions.
2023 – Revive: Australia’s National Cultural Policy
The Revive policy places First Nations arts and culture at the heart of Australia’s creative landscape. It commits to self-determination, increased investment, and ethical engagement with First Nations creatives.
2023/2024 – Transition to Creative Australia & Establishment of the First Nations Board
Australia Council transitions to Creative Australia, with the First Nations Board created to oversee First Nations-led governance, ensuring self-determined decision-making for First Nations arts and culture.
Today – Strengthening First Nations Cultural Sovereignty
The First Nations Arts and Culture division of Creative Australia continues to support First Nations artists, organisations, and cultural leaders, embedding cultural sovereignty and self-determination at the core of its work.
The First Nations Arts and Culture Awards recognise and celebrate the enormous contribution of First Nations artists and leaders.
Get in touch and a member of the First Nations Arts and Culture team at Creative Australia will reach out to you as soon as possible.
Our investment, advocacy and strategic development work builds capability across the arts and cultural sector and our capacity to connect First Nations arts practitioners and all Australians through creativity.
The work we do today as part of Creative Australia’s First Nations arts and culture team is the result of extensive consultation and a legacy of First Nations advocacy and leadership within the sector. Below you will find policies and reports that shape the strategy and initiatives that out team implements moving forward under the guidance of the First Nations Board.
ArtLife Artist Abby Ibrahim
Creative Australia’s (formerly the Australia Council for the Arts) First Nations Arts and Culture Strategy 2023-27.
A detailed guide to protocols for using First Nations cultural and intellectual property in the arts, designed for artists and creative workers.
First published in 2002 and revised in 2007 by Dr Terri Janke and Company, the principles and protocols contained in this guide endorse the rights of First Nations people to their cultural heritage and support First Nations creative practice.
These protocols encourage self-determination and help to build a strong and diverse First Nations arts sector, which are key goals and priority areas of Creative Australia.
Artists and creative workers who work with First Nations artists or engage with Indigenous cultural heritage in projects that are funded by Creative Australia's assessment panels are required to comply with these protocols as a condition of funding.
Over the years, the principles and protocols contained in this guide have also been applied nationally and internationally – educating readers and users on Indigenous Australian cultural heritage and encouraging meaningful collaborations with First Nations artists and creators.
Download the protocols (English)
PDF · 8.75 MBDownload the protocols (Simplified Chinese)
PDF · 33.88 MBJoin Lucy Byrne with Patricia Adjei, Dr Paula Abood, Travis De Vries and Jake Smithers as they discuss the Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts. The Protocols were written by Dr Terri Janke and Company.
Using First Nations Protocols for Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts
A First Nations creativity-led discussion of digital sovereignty, including ICIP (Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property), through the lens of art, culture and fashion. Presented by Creative Australia in partnership with Australia House at SXSW in Texas on 13 March 2023.
First Nations First: From Ideas To Income
Refer to the check list for assessors here.
Animation on how First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property Protocols are used in assessments
Requests and enquiries about reproduction and rights should be addressed to the First Nations arts team.
Useful resources, guides and policies for the First Nations arts and cultural sector and general resources. Test
Useful resources, guides and policies for the First Nations arts and cultural sector and general resources.
The First Nations Arts and Culture Awards are held each year on the 27th May, the anniversary of the 1967 referendum. The inaugural First Nations Arts and Culture Awards were held on Monday 27 May 2024.
In 2025, the prestigious Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement will be expanded to recognise senior artists for their achievement in advocacy and leadership, including:
Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence
Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cultural Advocacy and Leadership
Other new awards being offered for the first time in 2025 include:
Watch the recording of the 2024 First Nations Arts and Culture Awards here and below.
Creative Australia's First Nations Arts Awards 2024
Senior First Nations artists Uncle Badger Bates and Aunty Mabel Juli have both been awarded the prestigious Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 2024 First Nations Arts and Culture Awards.
The awards are proudly presented by Creative Australia each year on May 27, marking the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and the start of National Reconciliation Week.
Uncle Badger, a proud Barkindji man, is renowned for his intricate emu egg carvings, linocut prints and public artworks highlighting his deep connection to the Barka (Darling River) and its cultural heritage.
Aunty Mabel is a celebrated Gija artist, known for her striking black and white paintings depicting the Moon and Star Dreaming stories. She is also an important ceremonial singer and dancer.
Indigenous, Pasifika and West Asian writer Meleika Gesa, and First Nations and Zimbabwean emerging R&B artist Dean Brady were both awarded the Dreaming Award, for young emerging artists, supporting the creation of a major body of work.
Other award recipients include:
Sarah Prestwidge (First Nations Emerging Career Development Award) a Darug, Boorooberongal national descendant, accomplished soprano and music educator.
Tibian Wyles (First Nations Emerging Career Development Award): A Warrgamay and Kalkadoon descendant, and rising star in the acting industry.
Brenda Gifford (First Nations Fellowship), a Yuin woman, accomplished saxophonist, pianist, and trailblazing composer in contemporary classical and jazz, is the recipient of the First Nations Fellowship.
Creative Australia Executive Director First Nations Arts and Culture Franchesca Cubillo said:
“These awards are a celebration and recognition of the remarkable achievements of First Nations artists. We are very proud to honour their excellence and artistry, as well as their invaluable contributions to our arts and culture. We acknowledge the role of First Nations artists in sharing untold stories, creating innovative works and forms of expression, and safeguarding our traditional knowledge.”
The prestigious Red Ochre Award was established by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board in 1993 to pay tribute to senior Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons for their outstanding lifetime achievement in the arts and their contribution to the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, both nationally and internationally.
The Red Ochre Award recognises:
The Red Ochre Awards include recognition of outstanding lifetime achievement in the arts. The recipients of these Awards will receive $60,000 each. These awards will be presented at the First Nations Arts and Culture Awards.
Nominations for senior artists are accepted from arts and community organisations and individuals. Senior artists may not nominate themselves and nominations may only be made for a living artist. Awards will not be given posthumously.
Read the Guidelines for nominations here.
We are excited to invite nominations for the newly created 2025 Artist of the Year Award. This Award recognises excellence in Australian First Nations artistic practice and outstanding achievement in the arts for an established artist with more then ten of continued artistic practice.
This opportunity is available to artists practicing in community arts and cultural development, dance, experimental arts, literature, multi-arts, music, theatre and/or visual arts.
One award valued at $25,000 will be offered to one recipient.
We seek nominations from arts and community organisations and individuals.
Read the Guidelines for nominations here.
We are pleased to invite nominations to the 2025 Youth Award for Achievement in the Arts. This award recognises the achievement of one Australian First Nations artist or arts worker in community arts and cultural development, dance, experimental arts, literature, multi-arts, music, theatre and/or visual arts between the age of 18 and 35.
One award valued at $25,000 will be offered to one recipient.
We are seeking nominations from arts and community organisations and individuals.
Read the Guidelines for nominations here.
We are excited to invite nominations for the 2025 First Nations Arts and Culture Business Innovation Award. This award recognises innovation and excellence in entrepreneurship among Australian First Nations small to medium arts and culture businesses or community organisation (including Art Centres) nation-wide.
One award valued at $25,000 will be offered to one Australian First Nations led arts and culture business or community organisation (including Art Centres). The recipient will be presented with the award at the First Nations Arts & Culture Awards.
Read the Guidelines for nominations here.
Sarah is a descendant of the Boorooberongal (Boo-roo-berong-gal) and Cannemegal (Gan-a-meh-gal) clans of the Darug (Dah-rug) nation.
Sarah is a highly accomplished soprano, having earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and a Master of Opera degree from the Royal Northern College of Music in England, where she received a full scholarship. Sarah has received numerous awards for her outstanding work in the field of music.
Sarah has excelled as both a soprano and music educator under the guidance of Deborah Cheetham-Fraillon (Fray-on) at Short Black Opera. She has an extensive operatic repertoire, including performances of roles in operas such as the world premiere of Itch at Opera Holland Park, Die Fledermaus (dee-flare-da-mouse), Le Nozze Di Figaro (Le-nots-se-di-figa-ro), The Barber of Seville, The Cunning Little Vixen, Flight, The Magic Flute, Ariadne Auf Naxos (Ari-ard-nay-owf-Naxus), and Der Schauspieldirektor (Dare-Show-speil-director).
Photo: Marnya Rothe
Tibian is a descendant from the Warrgamay (War-ga-may), Girramay (Gid-da-may) & Kalkadoon (Kal-ka-doon) tribes from North Queensland.
Tibian is a rising star in the performing arts industry. He holds a graduate diploma and an advanced diploma in Acting from the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in Brisbane.
Tibian made his debut appearance in Black Diggers at the 2014 Sydney Festival, written by Tom Wright and directed by Wesley Enoch. Since then, Tibian has also appeared in Queen’s City, The Man with the Iron Neck, Country Song, Hide The Dog, The Sapphires and Big Name No Blankets.
Last year, Tibian starred in the 2023 Australian tour of The Sunshine Club as ‘Dave Daylight’, directed and written by Wesley Enoch, and this year starred in 37 presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre, directed by Issac Drandic (Dran-ditch) and written by Nathan Maynard.
Tibian’s latest project Dear Brother is co-written by himself and Leonard Donahue and directed by Isaac Drandic. It will be presented by Queensland Theatre and co-presented with BlakDance as part of Brisbane Festival 2024.
Photo: Simon Woods
Meleika, also known by the artist name Vika Mana, is a sovereign storyteller based in Meanjin. They are from the Zagareb and Dauareb tribes of Mer Island in the Torres Strait, the village of Fahefa in Tonga and many other places that extend to different continents and bloodlines. Her grandfather and internationally acclaimed Torres Strait Islander artist, Segar Passi, has a profound impact on them, as evidenced by the fact that in addition to poetry, literature, criticism, and performance, she also employs visual art, videography, and sound installations to convey her stories.
Meleika’s professional writing journey started in 2018, debuting their poetry at the National Young Writers Festival, and ever since they have created waves, working with renowned organisations and companies such as Spotify, Screen Australia and Instagram.
In 2019, Meleika became the youngest recipient of the Next Chapter program at the Wheeler Centre. She recently received the black&write! Fellowship, an award presented by the Queensland State Library.
Vika Mana’s artistic endeavours go beyond mere expression, serving as powerful vehicles for Indigenous storytelling and advocacy. With each project, she brings to life new worlds inspired by her ancestors and her passions such as climate, disability, and racial justice, infusing them with contemporary relevance and universal resonance. Meleika has been published in several journals, sites and anthologies, including Fire Front (UQP), Unlimited Futures (Fremantle), Nangamay Dream Mana Gather Djurali Grow (Black Books) and Avast! (Fremantle). Meleika works with different mediums and hopes to create an amalgamation of poetry, art and cinematography in the coming months.
Photo: Atong Atern
Dean is a proud Gugu Yalanji (Gu-gu Yal-en-gee), Birri Gubba (Bir-ri Gah-bah), Matabele (Ma-tah-bel-lah) Zimbabwean man born and raised on the traditional lands of the Meanjin (Me-an-gin) people, of Brisbane, Queensland.
Dean’s debut as an artist and performer came in 2013 during the Australia’s Got Talent grand finale, where he impressed audiences and judges alike. Since then, Dean has performed at many events, including BIGSOUND in 2022 and 2023, as well as the National Indigenous Music Awards, Association of Artist Manager Awards and South by Southwest Sydney.
Over the previous two years, Dean has written over 30 songs and collaborated with several musicians, including Matt Corby, Jerome and Jacob Farrah, Pip Norman, Rob Amoruso, Emma Louise, and Dean Tuza.
Dean’s R&B debut single, Falling, released earlier this year has already garnered over one million streams. Dean was the recipient of the First Nation Emerging Career Development Award in 2023.
Photo: Zac Bayly
Badger is a proud Barkindji (Bar-kan-ji) man, born in 1947 along the Barka (Darling River) in Wilcannia, NSW. Uncle Badger grew up in tin huts along the Barka with his Kurna Barkindji (Ker-noo Bar-kan-ji), his extended family and grandmother, Granny Moysey (Moi-see), who taught him their language, history, and culture.
Badger’s art journey began at eight years old when his grandmother taught him to carve emu eggs.
Badger is a full-time artist, cultural heritage consultant and environmental activist. He works within the media of linocut printing, emu egg carving, wooden sculptures, stone sculptures, mosaic, and metalwork. His art shows his connection to Country and the complex relationships between people, country and water. He mixes the traditional and contemporary to create a style that portrays a strong sense of identity and is an extension of a living oral tradition.
He is well known for his public art such as the sandstone Stolen Generations Memorial at Yandelora (Yan-da-lora), Mt Annan Botanic Gardens; Paul Ramsey Foundation building hand forged steel gates with Eveleigh Works and painted ceiling, Darlinghurst; mosaic seats and sandstone sculpture at the Mildura riverfront; sandstone sculptures at Baradine ‘Sculptures in the Scrub’.
Badger’s impactful career has graced galleries nationwide, with recent exhibitions at the Art Gallery of South Australia, Biennale of Sydney Rivus 2022, and The Australian Museum’s Barka the Forgotten River in 2023.
Photo: Mark Pokorny
Mabel Juli is a proud Gija (Gi-jah) woman, born in 1932 at Five Mile, near Moola Boola Station in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Mabel is a celebrated artist whose journey began in the 1980s when she was encouraged by the likes of Rover Thomas and Queenie McKenzie. Her striking black and white paintings of Garnkiny doo Wardel (Garn-ki-ny Doo War-del), meaning ‘Moon and Star,’ a Ngarranggarni (ngar-rang-gar-ni) Dreaming story passed down from her parents, are well known.
Throughout her career, Mabel has been featured in over one hundred group shows as well as several solo shows. She has been a finalist in the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Awards eight times since 1994.
In addition to her artistry, Mabel is a strong Law and Culture woman, an important ceremonial singer and dancer, and her traditional name is ‘Wiringgoon’ (Wee-rin-goon).
Her art has been included in the collections of the Art Galleries of South Australia and New South Wales, Artbank, Auckland Art Gallery, Berndt Museum, National Gallery of Victoria, University of Western Australia, Parliament of Western Australia Art Collection, and the National Gallery of Australia.
Photo: Warmun Art Centre
Brenda is a proud Yuin (yoo-in) woman from Wreck Bay ACT, she is an accomplished saxophonist and pianist, and a trailblazing composer in contemporary classical and jazz music.
A graduate of Sydney University, Brenda’s musical journey has been punctuated by significant residencies, including the prestigious 2022 Peggy Glanville Hicks Composer in Residence program.
Brenda’s impact reverberates through her 20 original compositions, performed by esteemed groups like Sydney Dance Company, Melbourne Jazz Festival, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Her music is not just notes; it is a profound reflection of her Country and culture.
Photo: Laura Manariti
Creative Australia encourages applications from practising artists, arts workers and organisations. Find out more about our application process.
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We encourage First Nations artists and creative workers to apply for all available grants and opportunities.
Useful resources, guides and policies for the First Nations arts and cultural sector and general resources. Test
Get in touch and a member of the First Nations Arts and Culture team at Creative Australia will reach out to you as soon as possible.
Music Australia continues to support The Push in delivering services to young people seeking to develop careers in the Australian music industry.
The Push aims to:
Music Australia continues to support the Association of Artist Managers (AAM) to deliver services that support Australian artist managers.
AAM aims to:
Music Australia will continue supporting Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) in delivering services that support Australian-owned independent record labels and distributors.
AIR aims to:
Music Australia will continue supporting Live Music Office (LMO) in strengthening local grassroots live music ecologies as the foundation of the Australian live music industry.
LMO aims to:
Sounds Australia is Australia’s export music market development initiative.
Green Music Australia is an independent charity and the national peak body for music and the environment.
Music Australia is a dedicated body within Creative Australia, designed to support and invest in the Australian contemporary music industry.
The Music Australia Council oversees the operations of Music Australia and helps to inform its strategy and direction.
We respect their deep enduring connection to their lands, waterways and surrounding clan groups since time immemorial. We cherish the richness of First Nations Peoples’ artistic and cultural expressions.
We are privileged to gather on this Country and through this website to share knowledge, culture and art now, and with future generations.
First Nations Peoples should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have died.
We respect their deep enduring connection to their lands, waterways, and surrounding clan groups since time immemorial. We cherish the richness of First Nations peoples’ artistic and cultural expressions. We are privileged to gather on this Country and to share knowledge, culture and art, now and with future generations.
