The First Nations First – What We Heard report summarises national consultations with more than 1,400 First Nations artists, cultural workers and communities, held between November 2023 and March 2024.
The landmark report reflects the deep listening and generous sharing that took place, led by the First Nations team at Creative Australia and a consortium of First Nations consultants led by atticusnow, and guided by Creative Australia’s First Nations Arts and Culture Strategy Panel.
The report highlights the need for longer-term investment, stronger support for cultural preservation, intergenerational knowledge sharing, skills development and career pathways, and infrastructure upgrades. It also includes dedicated insights from d/Deaf and disabled artists and young people, offering ways to better recognise and strengthen support for these communities.
Executive Director First Nations Arts and Culture at Creative Australia Franchesca Cubillo, said:
“This work is just the beginning. The report honours the voices of our Elders, youth, d/Deaf and disabled creatives, and First Nations artists and organisations across every region and discipline. We are deeply grateful to every community member and arts and culture organisations who took the time to speak with us. You have been heard, and your insights are already guiding change. These insights will shape how we invest, how we build capacity, and how we embed First Nations First across Creative Australia and nationwide.”
Key themes emerging from the consultation include:
- A strong call for longer-term investment and multi-year funding pathways
- Investment in cultural preservation and safer, fit-for-purpose infrastructure, particularly in regional and remote areas
- Support for career development, mentoring and leadership for emerging artists and young people
- The need for more inclusive and accessible funding processes
- Greater recognition and visibility for d/Deaf and disabled First Nations creatives
- The importance of First Nations control, cultural safety and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) protection across the sector.
The findings will inform Creative Australia’s investment and leadership programs over the next three years and support the work of the First Nations Board established within Creative Australia in late 2024.
The What We Heard report is a foundational step in delivering on the Australian Government’s National Cultural Policy, Revive, which places First Nations First at its heart.
Read the full report here.
Media contact:
Brianna Roberts, Media Manager
Creative Australia
Mobile: 0498 123 541
Email: brianna.roberts@creative.gov.au
