First Nations arts and culture make a rich contribution to the world’s culture, to Australia’s diverse contemporary culture, and to our national identity.
We proudly acknowledge all First Nations Peoples and their rich culture of the country we now call Australia. We pay respect to Elders past and present. We acknowledge First Nations Peoples as Australia’s First Peoples and as the traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we live.
We recognise and value the ongoing contribution of First Nations Peoples and communities to Australian life and how this continuation of 75,000 years of unbroken storytelling enriches us. We embrace the spirit of reconciliation, working towards ensuring an equal voice and the equality of outcomes in all aspects of our society.
The value of First Nations arts activity to individuals, families and communities is significant culturally, socially and economically. We aim to help ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ cultural expressions are a source of pride for all Australians.
We continue to build on our long term commitment to First Nations arts and culture, recognising the importance of First Nations Peoples’ self-determination, cultural authority and leadership to our collective prosperity.