The Victorian Government will boost employment opportunities for First Peoples in the creative industries and raise the profile and availability of local Aboriginal arts and creative products through a new plan.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley has launched the Government’s First Peoples Action Plan for the Creative Industries 2018–2020 at Bendigo Art Gallery on the land of the Dja Dja Wurrung.
“Art, storytelling, performance and design have been an intrinsic part of life for the First Peoples of Victoria for tens of thousands of years – yet First Peoples are under-represented in our state’s renowned creative industries,” said Minister Foley. “This plan will provide new pathways and opportunities for employment, as well as new ways to invest in and promote the rich and diverse talent and creativity of First Peoples across the state.”
The Victorian-first action plan was developed in close consultation and collaboration with First Peoples working across Victoria’s creative industries and will deliver new opportunities for creative endeavors across the state. It aims to address current barriers to employment and training, under-representation of First Peoples on boards and in senior roles of creative organisations, and the sale of inauthentic First Peoples creative product.
The plan’s 21 actions include new traineeships, a tailored employment program, cultural exchange opportunities, initiatives to build business capacity and more. The plan also seeks to increase cultural competency across government-funded creative industries agencies and organisations – and will implement new funding processes that are more accessible to First Peoples.
All actions in the plan have been designed with, by and for First Peoples, over the past 18 months. A new First Peoples Reference Group will provide ongoing guidance and advice to Creative Victoria to implement the plan. For more information, visit: www.creative.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Tanderrum at the 2017 Melbourne International Arts Festival – photo by James Henry