The Australia Council has announced a new fund of approximately $500,000 to support and invest in First Nations arts and cultural groups experiencing disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

First Nations arts and cultural groups and organisations can apply for grants upwards of $25,000 through the Cherish Fund.

Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Lydia Miller says the Fund has been informed by the Australia Council’s regular First Nations Roundtables, sector discussions and consultations.

“Now, more than ever, we must invest in First Nations arts and culture and artists. A key theme to emerge during consultations is the need to protect Senior Custodians and Elders as the source of cultural knowledge and artistic expression through song, dance, story, images and narrative,” she said.

“The Fund will also support artists to explore innovative artistic and creative models, and artsworkers to navigate an increasingly digital world, and to adapt to ensure sustainable careers during Australia’s phased recovery from the impact of COVID-19.”

The fund will support three streams of activity, including:

• Living Libraries: supporting our cultural knowledge
• Creative Practice: supporting artistic creative expression
• Creative Workforce: supporting our artworkers in a digital world

Applications for the Cherish Fund are open now until 12pm on Monday 15 June.

More information on the Fund’s guidelines and criteria is available on our website.

Media contact: 

Brianna Roberts, Media Manager
Australia Council for the Arts
Phone: (02) 9215 9030
Mobile: 0498 123 541
Email: b.roberts@creative.gov.au

Learn more about the Cherish Fund.