Empowering and celebrating First Nations arts and culture
First Nations Arts and Culture at Creative Australia are dedicated to empowering and celebrating First Nations creativity in Australia and internationally. Our commitment to First Nations self-determination, cultural authority and leadership is reflected in our strategic investment programs and initiatives and overseen by the First Nations Board, formed in 2024. Building on the legacy of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board and the first national summit of First Nations artists in 1973, the Board ensures creative control remains with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Jannawi Dance Clan performing at the Hawai'i Convention Centre
Investments & Opportunities
Multi-art form
Youth Award for Achievement in the Arts
Multi-art form
Established Artist of the Year Award
Multi-art form
Red Ochre Award (Lifetime Achievement)
Multi-art form
What We Heard
A summary of community consultation findings.
1,480 people talked to
Every First Nations interview, community forum, online roundtable and information session was led by a First Nations person.
37 regions visited
All states and territories and the Torres Strait Islands visited, including regional and remote areas.
Our key initiatives
Through targeted consultations, investments and partnerships, we are strengthening First Nations arts and cultural leadership. In 2023–24, we invested $25.5 million into First Nations communities, championed local talent internationally, and supported groundbreaking initiatives like Archie Moore’s Golden Lion-winning exhibition kith and kin presented at the Australia Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.
In the news
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