Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts
The arts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people reflect the unique cultural heritage of the world’s oldest living culture.
They make a rich contribution to world culture and Australia’s diverse contemporary culture and national identity.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board supports all artforms, including music, dance, theatre and storytelling, visual arts and crafts, writing, new media, community development, international activity and arts infrastructure.
The board recognises the integral links between art, culture, language, heritage, land and sea, as well as customary law and the importance of developing and growing the Indigenous arts sector and its industries by supporting the creation, development, production, distribution and dissemination of artistic and creative works.
The board also acknowledges the need for artists, communities and arts organisations to conserve and preserve traditional and contemporary artistic expressions for future generations to appreciate, learn from and understand their cultural inheritance and identity as Indigenous peoples. Artistic vibrancy and cultural maintenance are a key focus of the work done by Indigenous arts organisations. Read more
Image: Herbert Wharton
Call for Expressions of Interest from Indigenous artists for 2012 Festival of Pacific Arts
The Australia Council in partnership with State and Territory Arts Agencies invites expressions of interest from Indigenous artists and groups to be a part of the Australian delegation attending the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts to be held in Honiara, the Solomon Islands from 1 to 14 July 2012.
Expressions of interest are sought from Indigenous artists and groups who have experience in the areas of traditional and contemporary dance, music, theatre, literature, visual arts, crafts, filmmaking and digital media. Find out more
Latest News and Projects
Vale Jimmy Little
The Australia Council for the Arts today expressed its deep sorrow at the passing of one of Australia’s leading musical legend, Jimmy Little.
Our board members
- Dr Mark Bin Bakar (Chair) WA
- Leo Akee (Torres Strait Islands)
- Desmond 'Kootji' Raymond (Northern Territory)
- Lee-Ann Buckskin (South Australia)
- Melissa Lucashenko (New South Wales)
- Jeanette James (Tasmania)
- Rachael Maza (Victoria)
- Monica Stevens (Queensland)
Available Grants
- Go See - ongoing
- International Performing Arts Markets Travel Fund - 11 May 2012
- New Work - 16 July 2012
- Creative Australia (New Art - Creative Development) - 1 August 2012
- Creative Australia (New Art - Production and Presentation) - 1 August 2012
- ArtStart - 20 September 2012
- New Work - 19 November 2012
- Presentation and Promotion - 19 November 2012
- Fellowships - 19 November 2012
- Red Ochre Award - 19 November 2012
- Skills and Arts Development - 19 November 2012
- The Dreaming Award - 19 November 2012
Grant Decisions
Our team and contacts
Lydia Miller, Executive Director
Email or call on (02) 9215 9170
Mark Stapleton, Manager
Email or call on (02) 9215 9014
Email or call on (02) 9215 9167
Anastasia Charles, Acting Program Officer
Email or call on (02) 9215 9058
Michelle Wong, Assistant Program Officer
Email or call on (02) 9215 9171
Sigrid Langker, Division Administrator
Email or call on (02) 9215 9144
Eli Malifa, Coordination Officer
Email or call on (02) 9215 9167
Useful links
Looking for some specific information? Here are some useful links:

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