Our history 

As the First Nations arts sector grew, so did the need for governance structures that reflected the evolving aspirations of communities. Building on the establishment of the Aboriginal Arts Board in 1973, The First Nations Arts and Culture Strategy Panel was formed to provide strategic advice, ensuring that decision-making remained firmly in First Nations hands. Through extensive consultation with First Nations artists, organisations and cultural leaders, the panel shaped the governance and policy direction that led to the creation of the First Nations Board. This board now sits within Creative Australia, building on the legacy of First Nations-led governance to ensure that policies, funding and initiatives remain grounded in First Nations ways of knowing, being and doing. 

A significant milestone in this ongoing journey was the Parrumpa: First Nations Arts and Culture Gathering, held in 2022 on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country (Canberra). Parrumpa was the largest national gathering of First Nations artists, cultural practitioners, and leaders in decades. It was a momentous event that reaffirmed the importance of First Nations self-determination in arts and culture, with more than 300 delegates coming together to shape priorities for the sector. The insights and recommendations from Parrumpa directly informed the development of government policy, strengthening the case for greater investment, leadership, and long-term sustainability for First Nations arts and culture. 

This momentum was further reinforced through Revive: A Place for Every Story, A Story for Every Place, the Australian Government’s National Cultural Policy launched in 2023. Revive places First Nations arts and culture at the heart of the national creative landscape, recognising the central role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first storytellers, knowledge holders, and cultural custodians of this continent. One of the key commitments under Revive was the establishment of Creative Australia and the First Nations-led governance structures that now guide our division. Revive also underscores the need for cultural sovereignty, ethical engagement, and greater investment in First Nations creative industries, ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and organisations have the resources and autonomy to thrive. 

Today, the First Nations Board continues to embed First Nations-led decision-making at the core of Creative Australia. It champions the rights of First Nations artists to tell their own stories, share their cultural knowledge, and contribute to a vibrant and self-sustaining arts sector. Through decades of advocacy and leadership, we remain steadfast in our commitment to First Nations cultural sovereignty, fostering community-led initiatives and investing in the long-term sustainability of the sector. 

By centring First Nations voices, upholding cultural authority, and advancing self-determination, we continue to honour the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while shaping a future defined by creative excellence, resilience and cultural strength. 

Timeline 

First Nations Arts and Culture at Creative Australia 

1973 – Establishment of the Aboriginal Arts Board 

The Aboriginal Arts Board is formed under the Australia Council for the Arts, becoming the first government-funded arts board led entirely by First Nations people. It champions self-determination, supporting First Nations artists, cultural practitioners, and organisations. 

1990s – Transition to First Nations Advisory Structures 

The governance model evolves, with First Nations leaders continuing to shape funding and policy frameworks within the Australia Council. 

2012 – Creation of the Australia Council’s First Nations Arts Strategy 

A dedicated First Nations Arts Strategy is established, embedding First Nations-led decision-making in arts funding and policy development. 

2019 – First Nations Arts and Culture Strategy Panel Established 

The First Nations Arts and Culture Strategy Panel is formed, providing strategic advice and ensuring First Nations voices guide governance and investment priorities. 

2022 – Parrumpa: First Nations Arts and Culture Gathering 

The largest national gathering of First Nations artists, cultural practitioners, and leaders in decades is held on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country (Canberra). Insights from Parrumpa directly inform future governance structures and policy directions. 

2023 – Revive: Australia’s National Cultural Policy 

The Revive policy places First Nations arts and culture at the heart of Australia’s creative landscape. It commits to self-determination, increased investment, and ethical engagement with First Nations creatives. 

2023/2024 – Transition to Creative Australia & Establishment of the First Nations Board 

Australia Council transitions to Creative Australia, with the First Nations Board created to oversee First Nations-led governance, ensuring self-determined decision-making for First Nations arts and culture. 

Today – Strengthening First Nations Cultural Sovereignty 

The First Nations Arts and Culture division of Creative Australia continues to support First Nations artists, organisations, and cultural leaders, embedding cultural sovereignty and self-determination at the core of its work.