The Australia Council for the Arts has announced a new fund of approximately $500,000 to support and invest in First Nations arts and cultural groups experiencing disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. First Nations arts and cultural groups and organisations can apply for grants upwards of $25,000 through the Cherish Fund.
Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Lydia Miller says the Fund has been informed by the Australia 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. 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,” said Ms Miller.
“The Fund will also support artists to explore innovative artistic and creative models, and artsworkers to navigate an increasingly digital world, and to adapt to ensure sustainable careers during Australia’s phased recovery from the impact of COVID-19.”
The fund will support three streams of activity, including:
• Living Libraries: supporting our cultural knowledge
• Creative Practice: supporting artistic creative expression
• Creative Workforce: supporting our artworkers in a digital world
Applications for the Cherish Fund are open now and close 12.00pm – Monday 15 June 2020. For more information, including the Fund’s guidelines and criteria, visit: www.australiacouncil.gov.au for details.