Storytelling and Recording: First Nations Project Fund

Successful applicants will receive funding and support for:

• studio recording, technical enhancement, and skills building
• documenting language, traditional practices, and community stories
• strategies to engage broader communities and grow First Nations audiences
• access to expert-led training to ensure sustainable community impact.

Eligible projects include:

• Language and Cultural Preservation
  • documenting First Nations languages, oral histories, cultural practice and traditions
• Non-Commercial Broadcasting
  • radio or television projects focused on First Nations storytelling
• Skills Development
  • training programs in areas like audio engineering or media production
• Story and Legacy Documentation
  • capturing historical stories or culturally significant practices
• Community Engagement Initiatives
  • projects promoting inter-generational knowledge transfer, cultural exchange and audience interaction.

Applicants can apply for funding to support a range of projects that align with the program’s goals of cultural preservation, skills development, and storytelling. The following project categories are eligible:

Language and Cultural Preservation

• recording oral histories, traditional songs, and Indigenous languages
• documenting ceremonies, cultural practices, or significant events
• creating digital archives or educational tools for preserving cultural knowledge

Broadcast and Media Projects

• developing radio or television programs featuring First Nations music, interviews, or storytelling
• producing podcasts focused on First Nations, storytelling, histories, or cultural narratives
• supporting community-focused media initiatives that amplify First Nations voices

Skills Development

• training in audio engineering, media production, or broadcasting techniques
• programs that build technical capacity within First Nations communities

Story and Legacy Documentation

• capturing historical or contemporary stories through photography, video, or interactive media
• creating multimedia projects, such as virtual reality experiences or digital timelines, to share and preserve cultural heritage

Community Engagement Initiatives

• projects that promote cultural exchange, dialogue, and audience interaction
• initiatives that encourage broader participation and understanding of First Nations cultures

All projects must demonstrate cultural sensitivity and adhere to First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) Protocols, ensuring respectful collaboration and safeguarding of cultural materials.

All projects must adhere to First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) Protocols to ensure cultural respect and protection. Evidence of adherence must be included in applications, particularly for sensitive content. Detailed information about ICIP can be found  here.

First Nations Industry advisors will assess applications against the following criteria and advise Creative Australia on which projects to prioritise. Your application will be assessed against the published criteria. The bullet points under each criterion indicate what industry advisors may consider, where relevant. Applicants do not need to address every bullet point.

1. Quality

Industry advisors will assess the quality of the artistic and/or cultural value of your proposed project.

They may consider:

• the cultural significance and authenticity of the content being produced
• the creativity, originality, or ambition of the project
• how the project aligns with First Nations storytelling, cultural preservation, or artistic expression
• examples of previous work that demonstrate the applicant’s capability in culturally relevant or arts-focused projects.

2. Viability

Industry advisors will assess the viability of your project with consideration to planning, protocols, and budget.

They may consider:

• the relevance and timeliness of the proposed activity for the community or audience
• the skills and experience of the applicant and collaborators to deliver the project
• evidence of realistic and achievable planning, resource use, and adherence to First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) protocols
• the feasibility of the project’s budget and timeline
• the applicant’s previous experience delivering projects of similar size and scope.

3. Impact

Industry advisors will assess the expected impact or outcome of your project on the community, audience, and cultural preservation efforts.

They may consider:

• the cultural, artistic, and/or social benefits for First Nations communities or audiences
• the project’s contribution to preserving language, traditional practices, stories, or cultural knowledge for future generations
• how the project fosters skills development or capacity building within First Nations communities
• the potential of the project to engage and inspire audiences, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous
• how the project supports ethical, inclusive, and accessible practices.