
First Nations' Roundtables
About the series
The Australia Council for the Arts hosted a series of First Nations' Roundtables for arts and creative independents, and organisations, to discuss the current situation that affects us all in relation to COVID-19.
We appreciate that you are all managing challenging circumstances and that people want to have a First Nations perspective on these rapidly changing times.
A weekly Roundtable enabled people to connect, share and put forward ideas on how we navigate this period of the COVID-19 challenge.
Series 2
Our much-enjoyed Zoom Roundtables are returning for 2021!
We navigated the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic by coming together in the Roundtable discussions to reflect, laugh, cry, speak our truth, and affirm the values and strengths of our arts and culture. This year we look forward to the National Summit on First Nations Arts & Culture to be held in Adelaide in October, and we want to hear your thoughts, ideas and expectations.
Register your interest to join us for the first Autumn Session on Friday 19 March at 2.00pm.
Schedule
- Autumn Season: 19 March, 23 April, 21 May
- Winter Season: 18 June, 23 July, 20 August
- Spring Season: 17 Sept, 15 Oct.
Past sessions
Summer Session - Friday 19 Feb
Watch the previous episode
Contact us
Please contact Michael Hutchings directly if you require further information.
Phone: Michael Hutchings, Project Manager First Nations 0490 299 493
Email: FirstNationsArts@australiacouncil.gov.au
In Solidarity

First Nations Roundtables season 1: Watch it again
The Australia Council for the Arts hosted a series of First Nations' Roundtables for arts and creative independents, and organisations, to discuss the current situation that affects us all in relation to COVID-19.
A weekly Roundtable enabled people to connect, share and put forward ideas on how we navigate this period of the COVID-19 challenge. Watch the Roundtables from season 1.

Impacts of COVID-19 on First Nations arts and culture: Download the paper
This paper outlines the immediate and longer term needs, concerns and potentially catastrophic impacts for First Nations arts and culture in light of COVID-19. This includes potential for the most significant loss of arts, culture and language since the arrival of the First Fleet. Drawing on research and sector intelligence, the paper highlights opportunities for First Nations arts specific support and cross-portfolio advocacy and engagement.

Re-activate
The Australia Council has been listening to arts and cultural organisations, peak bodies and independent artists about the impacts of COVID-19 and the changes needed to re-ignite arts and cultural activity across the country. As a result, we have produced the following response: Re-activate which supports jurisdictional compliance.
Re-activate – is a practical, user-friendly guide for independent artists and organisations. It outlines how to confidently comply with government guidelines to recommence practice and open doors to welcome audiences, visitors and customers. It complies with the existing requirements of steps 2 and 3 of the Australian Government’s 3-Step Framework for a COVIDSafe Australia.