1. 2012 - 2015
Prepared by Peter White for
South East Arts (NSW) Inc
South East Arts
Aboriginal Arts and Cultural
Action Plan

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS:
BACKGROUND: .................................................................................................................. 2
SCOPE:................................................................................................................................ 2
VISION: ................................................................................................................................ 3
THE ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY OF SOUTH EAST ARTS REGION. ................................ 4
Aboriginal organisations and representation: ..............................................................................5
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage............................................................................................................5
OUR VALUES ...................................................................................................................... 6
SOUTH EAST ARTS – ABORIGINAL ARTS AND CULTURAL MATRIX............................ 9
STRATEGIES..................................................................................................................... 10
ATTACHMENT A: Methodology. ...................................................................................... 14
ATTACHMENT B: Aboriginal Cultural and Heritage Studies.......................................... 16
ATTACHMENT 3: Funding matrix. ................................................................................... 17
Indigenous Arts and Cultural Funding Overview.......................................................................19

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BACKGROUND:
South East Arts’ Aboriginal arts and cultural action plan outlines a regional specific
approach that identifies and assesses synergies for Aboriginal arts and cultural
development.
These synergies have been identified utilising the Aboriginal communities’ arts and
cultural needs and aspirations within the region in relation to current Aboriginal arts
and cultural frameworks (such as the NSW Aboriginal Arts and Cultural Strategy). In
addition other portfolio areas such as Trade & Investment, Tourism, Environment
and Heritage and Regional Development have been investigated.
The Action plan gives direction to South East Arts to assist in achieving its artistic
vision to build partnerships with local Aboriginal artists and communities, with the
broader goal of;
“fostering a vibrant Aboriginal arts and cultural sector that affords
Aboriginal people greater opportunities to participate in, share and
strengthen their culture through arts practise; and develop careers
and businesses in the arts and cultural sector”.
The Plan also offers other groups and individuals (including local councils) a platform
to assess their existing programs, consider new directions and identify new partners
to support Aboriginal arts and cultural development in the region.
SCOPE:
South East Arts’ Aboriginal arts and cultural action plan is a three-year action plan
from 2012-2015. Within this period the plan will focus on enabling greater
engagement with Aboriginal communities of the South East through the development
of sustainable approaches to arts and cultural development.
This will be achieved by employing a range of strategies based on assisting and
advocating for enhanced Aboriginal arts and cultural expression through creative
generators, professional development opportunities and greater access to cultural
infrastructure.

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VISION:
The South East of NSW is celebrated as a dynamic, diverse and contemporary
culture that gives expression to the unique qualities of our region and its people.
OUR MISSION
South East Arts aims to increase the social, cultural and economic wellbeing in the
south east region of NSW Australia. We provide leadership in the development of a
distinctive culture in our region by supporting dynamic creative activity through
partnerships with our communities. We seek, provide and promote opportunities for
artists to explore contemporary arts practices, giving expression to the vital
connections between us as individuals and communities, in response to the world
around us.
OUR INSPIRATION
We are inspired by our region’s wildness, its diverse natural beauty, rich cultural
heritage, a shared sense of place, the creativity within our communities, and by the
potential for art and culture to express and celebrate our distinctive, contemporary
regional identity to ourselves, to Australia and to the world.
OUR REGION
To live in the south east of Australia is to live in proximity to extreme natural diversity
and beauty. This is a rare and special place – a place of contrasts: diverse coastal
character, rugged forested foothills, hidden pockets of rainforest, cool mountain
reaches, expansive tablelands and snowy peaks. Ours is a contemporary Australian
community, global in outlook, with a sense of place that is simultaneously regional
and local.
OUR AUDIENCE
First and foremost we seek to engage, enthuse and make meaningful connections
with our fellow residents of the 5 Local Government Areas embraced within the
South East Arts portfolio: the Shires of Bega, Eurobodalla, Cooma-Monaro, Bombala
and Snowy River. Beyond our local communities, we seek to engage with the
growing number of tourists and visitors to our region, while also seeking a national
and international audience for South East Arts projects.

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THE ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY OF SOUTH EAST ARTS REGION.
The South East Arts region encompasses Aboriginal communities of the Yuin /
Monaro nation, from Batemans Bay to Eden and west to the Snowy River.
The 2006 ABS Census data ABS identified that there were 2629 people within the
region who identified as an either an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. The
Aboriginal population distribution throughout the region is dispersed with larger
pockets centred in Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shires, as the figures listed below
indicate.
Local Government
Area
Total persons
(excluding overseas
visitors)
Total Indigenous
persons:
% of total
Indigenous
persons in Region
Eurobodalla 35,009 1,555 4.44%
Bega Valley 31,062 815 2.62%
Cooma Monaro 9,725 162 1.67%
Bombala 2,541 37 1.46%
Snowy River 7,186 60 0.83%
TOTAL 85,523 2629 3.07%
Figure 1: From 2006 ABS Census data.
Within the two large Aboriginal population centres of Eurobodalla and Bega Valley
Shire council areas, the demographics of the Aboriginal communities are very
similar. As indicated in the chart below, over 40% of the areas Aboriginal population
are under the age of 14, with only 5% of the areas Aboriginal population over the age
of 55.1
Figure 2: Average Aboriginal age distribution (from 2006 ABS Census data).
These demographics highlight the need for the development of a range of strategies
to address the growing Aboriginal youth population within the region. Particular focus
should be given on providing greater opportunities for youth to engage with their
traditional Aboriginal cultural practices and values within a modern context.
1
2006 ABS Census data

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Furthermore Intergenerational engagement with Elders will ensure appropriate
cultural engagement and authority is achieved.
Aboriginal organisations and representation:
One of the main Aboriginal organisations that provide services for the Aboriginal
community within the region is the Local Aboriginal Land Councils. These
Aboriginal Land Councils have the responsibility to protect and promote Aboriginal
cultural heritage, and provide advice and assistance on a wide range of issues such
as natural resource management, forestry assessment, cultural development,
education and reconciliation. They also provide an important point of contact
between Aboriginal people and government agencies.
The Local Aboriginal Land Councils which cover the South East Arts region include:
• Batemans Bay Local Aboriginal Land Council
• Mogo Local Aboriginal Land Council
• Cobowra Local Aboriginal Land Council
• Bodalla Local Aboriginal Land Council
• Wagonga Local Aboriginal Land Council
• Merrimans Local Aboriginal Land Council
• Bega Local Aboriginal Land Council
• Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council
Within the area of the management and support of Aboriginal cultural heritage and
the arts, a number of organisations exist.
With the return of Biamanga and Gulaga national parks to Aboriginal ownership in
2006, two boards of management were established to provide joint management by
the Aboriginal owners and NPWS.
In addition, Aboriginal arts and culture are supported through two organisations;
Monaroo Bobberrer Gudu at Jigamy and Umbarra Cultural Centre 2
at Wallaga Lake.
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
Aboriginal communities within the region have a long history of leadership in
protection and preservation of local Aboriginal cultural heritage and knowledge and
land and sea management issues. Throughout this period a wide range of reports
and surveys have been commissioned and developed to assist in this preservation
and protection. These reports and surveys offer important resources that can be
utilised to enhance greater arts and cultural engagement within the Aboriginal
community through a range of creative and cultural enterprises. (See Attachment 2
for a complete list of resources).
2
Umburra Cultural Centre is not currently operational.

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OUR VALUES
All of South East Arts activities will reflect our commitment to values of
• Interconnectedness
• Sustainability and growth
• Relevance and impact
• Community
• High aspirations in contemporary practice
These values underpin and sustain all aspects of South East Arts activity. We aim to
support artists, groups, organisations and projects that share and reflect these
values in the following creative ways.
These values have guided the development of an Aboriginal arts and culture action
plan, with particularly strong synergies found with relation to Aboriginal arts and
cultural development:

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SOUTH EAST ARTS – ABORIGINAL ARTS AND CULTURAL MATRIX
South East Arts supports the following statement from the NSW Aboriginal Arts and
Cultural Strategy 2010: “Arts and cultural expression has always played a vital part in
Aboriginal society and continues to be an important element of the social fabric of
Aboriginal people and communities throughout Australia.”
We seek to build partnerships with local Aboriginal artists and communities in line
with the following goal of the NSW Aboriginal Arts Strategy:
“To foster a vibrant Aboriginal arts and cultural sector that affords Aboriginal people
greater opportunities to participate in, share and strengthen their culture through arts
practise; and develop careers and businesses in the arts and cultural sector”.

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STRATEGIES
Strategy:
Cultural and creative connections
Key Result Area:
Recognition and appreciation of
distinct South East regional
Aboriginal arts and cultural
practice.
Short Term Action
Mapping of creative generators:
a) Scoping - audit of possible creative projects
within the region that will include reviewing
current Aboriginal culture and heritage plans
and ways to tell local stories

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b) Secure funding for Aboriginal Cultural and
Creative engagement officer role
c) Foster greater links with coastal and mountain
communities utilising creative approaches as
key drivers
Roll-out two pilot programs – Price’s Cafe & Bundian
Way
Medium Term Action
Investigate establishment of Aboriginal arts and
cultural advisory committee utilising existing networks
within local government, land management and
LALC’s.
Possible scope for roll-out of cultural Ambassadors
Long Term Action
Investigate the feasibility into the development of a
regional cultural accord between councils linking key
elements within social and cultural planning.

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Strategy:
Creative Pathways
Key Result Area:
Increase participation of
Aboriginal community in arts
and cultural activity
Short Term Action
Enhancing the development of Aboriginal Visual Arts
sector within the region:
a) Master-class / Emerging artists mentoring
program.
b) Web promotion of artists through VASE
Medium Term Action
Development of a Youth engagement strategy:
a) Investigate greater engagement through
expansion of Youth Cafe model 3
b) Investigate Music opportunities such as Indent
program conducted by Music NSW
c) Broader education approach through Arts
Education funding.
d) Investigate feasibility of a roll-out of Aboriginal
media program 4
Long Term Action
Investigate opportunities for the Aboriginal community
to celebrate art and culture through program
development aligned to Festivals.
Investigate feasibility of development of a Bega based
community studio with links through Bega Regional
Gallery.
3
Look at models such as The Loft - Youth Arts and Cultural centre in Newcastle
4
Look at models such as Information + Cultural Exchange – Koori Story Exchange

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Strategy:
Strengthening Cultural Capacity
Key Result Area:
Development of sustainable
cultural foundations to drive
connectedness and
engagement.
Short Term Action
Advocate broader engagement strategies within
existing cultural infrastructure such as Libraries and
Galleries.
Long Term Action
Support development of Aboriginal cultural
infrastructure such as Umbarra and the Monaroo
Bobberrer Gudu Aboriginal cultural centre.

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ATTACHMENT A: Methodology.
The development of an Aboriginal arts and a culture action plan for the south east
regional area included the following elements:
community background and arts and cultural analysis
Identification of strategic synergies and effective engagement
strategies
Suggested project development aligned with 3 spheres of engagement
in Artistic plan
Funding and policy analysis and alignment.
These were achieved through a four part process from mid-October to mid-
December 2011.
1. Literature review to identify Aboriginal community background and arts /
cultural synergies within other portfolio areas.
2. Site visits across five council areas incorporating Council reps, Aboriginal
communities, Aboriginal artists and cultural organisations and Local Aboriginal
Land Councils.
3. Meeting with South East Arts (RADO and Chair) to review draft Action Plan.
4. Finalisation of the development of the Action Plan.
The following is a list of site visits already undertaken:
Location: In Attendance: Discussion Focus:
Cooma CMSC – Dean Lynch, Mayor
Jandemarra Wall – Artist
Catherine Gray – Manager
Casework (NSW Community
Services)
Community arts and cultural
aspirations. Identification of
project / program development.
Moruya ESC - Vikki Parsley; Monika
McInerney
Synergies within existing
planning frameworks (Social &
Cultural planning), Community
arts and cultural aspirations
Narooma Cheryl Davison – Uniting Care Pilot project – Price’s cafe,
Aboriginal visual artists
aspirations
Wallaga Lake Merrimans LALC – Anne
Greenaway
Umbarra Cultural Centre,
Community arts and cultural
aspirations
Bega BVSC: Rebecca Bogie, Simon
Schweitzer, Roslyn Rawrd,
Megan Bottari.
Synergies within existing
planning frameworks (Social &
Cultural planning), community

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arts and cultural aspirations
Meegais Aboriginal Group –
Donna Aldrige and others
Community arts and cultural
aspirations.
Eden Eden LALC – Penny Stewart Pilot Program – Bundian Way,
Community arts and cultural
aspirations
In addition to these site visits, meetings will be undertaken with all LALC’s within the
region to discuss the draft Action Plan. These are to be scheduled in early
January/February 2012.
Further meetings will also be required with both the Southern Aboriginal Heritage
Region office of DECCW and John Blay, Bundian Way Project Co-ordinator,
however these can be initiated at a later date within the mapping of creative
generators. At present the abundance of cultural and heritage reports identified
illustrate the opportunities within this area.

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ATTACHMENT B: Aboriginal Cultural and Heritage Studies.
• Report on a Survey of The Bundian Way 2010 – 2011 – Dec 2011
• Connecting With Country Project June 2011
• Connecting With Country In The Eurobodalla, South Coast, New South
Wales. Exploring The Connections Between Aboriginal People, Places And
Cultural Practises.
• Eurobodalla Shire Council Aboriginal Action Plan – Dec 2010
• Eurobodalla Shire Council Aboriginal Profile Part B – Results of Consultation
and Survey - 2009
• Eurobodalla Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Study - Stage Two Eurobodalla
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Study Stories About The Eurobodalla By
Aboriginal People - JULY 2006
• Eurobodalla Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Study Stage 1 - South Coast NSW
and Eurobodalla – 2004
• BIAMANGA and GULAGA - Aboriginal Cultural Association with Biamanga
and Gulaga National Parks – 2004
• Bega Valley Region Old Path Ways and Trails Mapping Project by John Blay
• For Bega Valley Regional Aboriginal Heritage Study- 2005
• Land & Sea Country Plan. For Aboriginal people with traditional, historical and
contemporary connections to land & sea country within the Eden Local
Aboriginal Land Council region, southeast NSW

18. ATTACHMENT 3: Funding matrix.
Strategies Timeframe Actions Funding Options
Culturalandcreativeconnections
Short Term
Mapping of creative generators:
• Scoping - audit of possible creative projects within
region that will include reviewing current Aboriginal
Heritage plans and ways to tell local stories
• Secure funding for Aboriginal Cultural and Creative
engagement officer role
Arts NSW – Regional Indigenous Arts Fund
$15,000 towards scoping and Audit
OFTA – Indigenous Cultural Support
Towards Cultural and Creative engagement officer
role
Arts NSW – Strategic Industry Development
• Foster greater links with coast and mountain
communities utilising creative approaches as key drivers
Advocacy Role
Roll-out two pilot programs – Prices Cafe & Bundian Way Funded through Creative generator program
Medium Term
Investigate establishment of Aboriginal arts and cultural advisory
committee utilising existing networks within local government,
land management and LALC’s.
Advocacy Role
Possible scope for roll-out of cultural Ambassadors Advocacy Role
Long Term
Investigate the feasibility into the development of a regional
cultural accord between councils linking key elements within
social and cultural planning.
Advocacy Role
CreativePathways
Short Term
Enhancing the development of Aboriginal Visual Arts sector
within the region:
• Master-class / Emerging artists mentoring program.
• Web promotion of artists through VASE
Office for the Arts - Indigenous Visual Arts Industry
Support
Medium Term
Development of a Youth engagement strategy:
• Broader education approach through Arts Education
funding
Arts NSW – Connected Arts – Outreach /
• Youth Cafe expansion looking at The Loft - Youth Arts and
Cultural centre model in Newcastle
Arts NSW – Strategic Industry Development
• Investigate Music opportunities such as Indent program
conducted by Music NSW
Advocacy Role

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• Investigate feasibility of a roll-out of Aboriginal media
program (ICE model)
Long Term
Investigate opportunities to Celebrate Aboriginal community
through program development aligned to Festivals such as the
Four Wind Festival or the development of a Cooma based
Celebration “Bogong Festival
Investigate feasibility of development of a Bega based
community studio with links through Bega Regional Gallery
Advocacy Role
Strengthenin
gCultural
Capacity
Short Term
Advocate broader engagement strategies within existing cultural
infrastructure such as Libraries and Galleries.
Advocacy Role
Long Term
Support development of Aboriginal cultural infrastructure such as
Umbarra Cultural Centre Monaroo Bobberrer Gudu Aboriginal
cultural centre.
Advocacy Role

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Indigenous Arts and Cultural Funding Overview.
Department /Agency Program Funding Funding Limit Guidelines
Regional Arts NSW
Country Arts Support Program (CASP)
Up to $3,000 The aims of the program are:
• to assist locally determined cultural activities;
• to increase opportunities for regionally based groups to
access a diverse range of arts programs;
• to enable communities to explore and express their
cultural identities;
• to encourage communities to work together to develop
and participate in cultural experiences;
• to bring social and economic benefits to the community
through training, employment and promotional
activities; and
• to leads to greater awareness and appreciation of
cultural diversity in rural and regional New South
Wales.
Regional Arts Fund (RAF) Grants
No Limit but Multiple year funding
and grants of more than $20,000
per year must be discussed with
Regional Arts NSW prior to
applying.
(RAF) Grants support arts and cultural activities in regional
NSW that are sustainable, have long-term cultural, economic
and social benefits develop partnerships and cultural networks
and provide skills development opportunities (once annually).
Quick Response Arts Grants
Urgent funding up to $1,500 Small grants for performing arts opportunities that arise at
short notice in regional NSW (continuous open for applications
all year round).
Arts NSW Annual Program
No Limit Annual Program Funding is a contribution towards an
organisation’s costs of delivering its principal annual program
of arts and cultural activities. Funding can contribute to any
aspect of this annual program.
Objectives
The objectives of Annual Program Funding are:

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• to develop sustainable arts and cultural organisations,
services and infrastructure
• to stimulate arts and cultural development in NSW
• to support the employment of NSW artists
• to contribute to innovation and excellence both within
and across art forms
• to improve performance and production standards.
Project Funding - Regional Aboriginal
Art Fund
up to $3,000 for individual
professional artists
The NSW Aboriginal Regional Arts Fund is intended to support
arts projects that celebrate and promote Aboriginal cultural
identities in regional NSW and, by doing so, make the rich and
diverse Aboriginal cultures of regional NSW more visible and
accessible. The objectives of the NSW Aboriginal Regional
Arts Fund are to:
• enable Aboriginal communities in regional NSW to
explore and express their cultural identities
• promote regional Aboriginal artists, arts and culture in
NSW
• build local and regional community engagement and
awareness of Aboriginal arts
• build the capacity and sustainability of Aboriginal arts
organisations in regional NSW
• increase professional and skills development
opportunities for Aboriginal artists living in regional
NSW
up to $15,000 for organisations
Project Funding - Strategic Industry
Development
– up to $50,000 per annum, (for
up to three years) for projects to
assist emerging organisations or
groups to develop
Strategic Industry Development Project Funding supports time-
limited initiatives that demonstrate long-term outcomes for the
development of the arts and cultural industry in NSW.
Applications that relate to the development and support of
Aboriginal arts and cultural activity are strongly encouraged.
The objectives of Strategic Industry Development Project
Funding are:
• to build capacity within emerging and/or established
organisations and/or sectors
– up to $50,000 for all other
Strategic Industry Development
projects

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• to support new and sustainable partnerships, in
particular between organisations of State significance
and emerging arts organisations/initiatives in Western
Sydney and/or regional NSW
• to encourage the use of new technologies
• to support innovative audience development,
participation and access strategies, in particular for
people with a disability, Aboriginal people and people
from
• culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD)
backgrounds.
Project Funding - Creation &/or
Presentation
– up to $30,000 for creative OR
public presentation development
The objectives of Creation and/or Presentation Project Funding
are to:
• support professional and artistic development
• stimulate arts and cultural development in NSW
• support the employment of NSW artists
• contribute to innovation and excellence
• improve performance and production standards.
An application may be made for:
• a creative development
• a public presentation
• a creative development and public presentation.
– up to $60,000 for creative AND
public presentation development
Project Funding - Connected arts
access
$3,000 to $5,000 The objective of ConnectEd Arts is to enhance the value of
creativity and the arts in schools and school communities
through:
• increased participation in and access to the arts
by NSW primary and high school students, their
teachers and the broader school community
• access to high quality arts experiences for
students.
Project Funding - Connected arts
outreach
$3,000 to $30,000 The objective of ConnectEd Arts is to enhance the value of
creativity and the arts in schools and school communities
through:
• encouraging arts organisations and artists to

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engage in innovative and challenging arts
programs with schools
• development of sustainable partnerships between
arts organisations/artists and schools.
Project Funding - Capital
up to $100,000 The objectives of Capital Project Funding are:
• to support innovative capital infrastructure projects
which promote participation in, and access to, arts and
cultural activities by diverse communities
• to add value to NSW’s network of arts and cultural
facilities, particularly where it will meet a specific local
need or fill a perceived ‘gap’ in the network
• to assist local councils to develop projects that are
environmentally sustainable and add to the city’s or
region’s cultural infrastructure
• and services to encourage active co-operation
between local community groups, arts organisations
and local councils to ensure the most efficient use of
available resources, including co-location and
collaboration between arts and cultural facilities.
Office for the Arts
Indigenous Cultural Support (ICS)
up to $100,000 The ICS funding objectives are to:
• support the maintenance of Indigenous culture
• support new forms of Indigenous cultural expression
• support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’
engagement in cultural activities
• promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
wellbeing by strengthening pride in identity and culture.
Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support
(IVAIS)
No Limit Funding in this category places a strong emphasis on
professional visual arts practice and economic outcomes. It:
• supports the operations of Indigenous art centres, and
organisations involved in the production, promotion
and marketing of Indigenous visual art
• provides opportunities for Indigenous artists to
maintain, develop and extend their professional art
practice
• provides opportunities for art centre staff, artists and
Board members to develop professional skills and

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experience
• facilitates the delivery of services to the Indigenous
visual arts industry by allied industry support
organisations.
Australia Council for
the Arts: ATSIAB
New Work No Limit New Work grants assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
artists and organisations to create new artworks for public
presentation. Indigenous artists, organisations and accredited
affiliate non-Indigenous arts organisations are welcome to
apply.
Presentation and Promotion No Limit Presentation and Promotion grants support the exhibiting,
publishing, recording, presenting and promoting of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander artists and their works. Indigenous
artists, organisations and accredited affiliate non-Indigenous
arts organisations are welcome to apply.
Skills and Arts Development No Limit Skills and Arts Development grants help Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander artists and arts organisations develop their ideas
and skills. They can support mentorship programs, arts
workshops, professional development programs, conferences,
seminars or planning and development programs. Indigenous
individuals, groups, organisations or accredited affiliate non-
Indigenous arts organisations that employ Indigenous
artists/arts workers are welcome to apply.