Moa, Badu and Waiben art centres to benefit from strategic funding boost

An investment boost is set help to strengthen Indigenous art centres, including those on Moa, Badu and Waiben, through the Backing Indigenous Art’s (BIA’s) strategic development fund.

Each of Queensland’s 17 Indigenous Art Centres (IACs) could access up to $60,000 per annum for projects that foster business development and create new employment opportunities for artists and art workers.

Moa Arts chair Solomon Booth said the new funding was important.

“BIA funding is important because it gives us the resources, we need to keep our culture strong and vibrant,” he said.

“It helps us create economic opportunities for people in our community, build the skills we need and share our stories.

“We take pride in our culture, in our stories, and in the work, we do to keep everyone strong.

“The important thing about this investment is that it brings culture and economic opportunity together, and there is great strength in that for us.

“It also lets us market our work and share it with audiences and buyers from across the country and around the world.”

Minister for Arts

Leeanne Enoch said the funding would cover a range of initiatives including support for employment, training and mentoring opportunities for First Nations artists and arts workers in areas such as curation, governance, arts management, and product and market development.

She said IACs could also seek support for the growth of digital strategies to promote transparent and ethical sales and market development for First Nations artists, and the creation of partnerships and collaborations that support artistic and business development.

“Indigenous Arts Centres are vibrant creative hubs within their communities, supporting local emerging and established artists and arts workers to create signature work and tell their unique stories through arts and cultural practices,” she said.

“Investment of almost $2 million over three years will support Indigenous Art Centres to grow the careers of local First Nations artists and arts workers, facilitate the showcasing and selling of highquality artworks, and provide valuable cultural and community benefits.

“Art, culture and storytelling are central to the important work of truth-telling and healing, as we continue on the Path to Treaty in Queensland.

“Fostering the growth of the IACs in Queensland delivers against the key priority of Creative Together 2020-2030 to elevate First Nation arts by creating positive longterm impacts for local artists and art workers and communities, strengthening the arts and cultural sector and their reputation as a tourism destination.”

To find out more, visit: https://www.arts. qld.gov.au/backingindigenous-arts.

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