Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts

Nothing is older, nothing more powerful than this.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts are the creative heritage of an extraordinary people, the original inhabitants of the Australian continent. For 40,000 years they have shaped and handed down - through song, dance, painting, sculpture and craft - their inner landscape, their spirituality.

Today, new generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists are enhancing this cultural inheritance, and expanding its range - multimedia and fiction writing are as central to their culture now as traditional forms such as ceremonial dance and bark painting. Increasingly, their art is sought and acclaimed by international audiences.

Indigenous artists draw on the colours of Australia’s soil, the expanse of our skies, the rhythms of our riverbeds and billabongs, as well as the urgency and complexity of urban and regional life. Moving across many boundaries, their vision and inspiration remains at the heart of Australia’s culture.

Indigenous dancers directory launched An online reference where the breadth of Indigenous dance can be found in one place, with the click of a mouse is now available.

Music Bound Music Bound is a national investment to turn up the volume on Indigenous music in the mainstream music industry.

Albers Foundation Residency Indigenous visual artists are invited to apply for a new residency at the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation studio in Connecticut USA from September 1 to November 28 2008.

Treading the pathways Sydney Festival was filled with dancers and choreographers moving and shaking in January. Added to the throng of people connecting with some of the best Australian contemporary dance works were a group of choreographers, supported by the Australia Council's 'Treading the pathways' initiative.