- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts organisations share in $1.14 million to develop and present vibrant new work.
- Acclaimed designer and 2025 Paris Couture Fashion Week debutant, Grace Lillian Lee receives funding to develop a new 2026 collection.
- Three recipients receive $10,000 each to commission new music and nine Indigenous Art Centres will be upgraded through the Backing Indigenous Arts fund.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists with $1.5 million in funding supporting new projects that share their stories and create exceptional arts experiences for all Queenslanders.
Through the First Nations Commissioning Fund, 16 artists and arts companies will share in $1,140,867 to develop and present projects through dance, music, theatre, design and visual arts.
Building on the success of her debut at the 2025 Paris Couture Fashion Week, acclaimed designer Grace Lillian Lee will receive support to develop a new collection in collaboration with Gangalida, Garrawa and Torres Strait Island communities.
Funding will assist Gamilaraay Wiradjuri woman Sharron mirii Bell to develop The Aunty Sharron Show for children, exploring culture, sustainability and wellbeing, while Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council will present the family-friendly Yarrabah Music Festival 2025, celebrating dance, music, art and culture.
Lucas Proudfoot, Dr Alethea Beetson and Munimba-Ja Arts Centre will each receive $10,000 to commission new Queensland-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander live or recorded music as part of their projects.
Indigenous Art Centres in Mornington Island, Pormpuraaw, Yarrabah, Hopevale, Cherbourg and Aurukun receive upgrades with a $25,000 uplift each through the Backing Indigenous Arts initiative.
While the former Labor Government made announcements, the Crisafulli Government is delivering practical outcomes to support Indigenous communities.
New funding will support small-scale infrastructure and equipment upgrades, including building repairs, new lighting, recording equipment and the purchase of pottery kilns to improve workspaces for artists and arts workers.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the funding helps to deliver on a key commitment from the Crisafulli Government's Queensland's Time to Shine: a 10-year strategy for arts and culture.
"The Crisafulli Government is delivering a thriving arts sector and an important part of this is unlocking opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives," Minister Langbroek said.
"This funding helps to deliver on Queensland's Time to Shine strategy, which is growing our creative workforce, creating new arts experiences, and turbo-charging the state's creative economy.
"Additional investment in Queensland's Indigenous Art Centres helps to ensure local artists' careers can grow and flourish.
"In the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we will be shining the spotlight on our talented artists across the state and enhancing experiences for locals and visitors.
"Congratulations to the 16 recipients of the First Nations Commissioning Fund and thank you for creating arts experiences that are unique to Queensland."
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said she was pleased to see funding shared between established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events and organisations, as well as local community arts centres.
"The Crisafulli Government understands the value of supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists across the state - particularly those in discrete communities who were abandoned and forgotten about by the former Labor Government," Minister Simpson said.
"This funding will address several Closing The Gap targets by celebrating culture, as well as bringing the community - particularly children and young people - together to strengthen spiritual connection and enrich local education."
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Daryl Sexton said the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council is proud to receive support for the Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival through the First Nations Commissioning Fund.
"The festival celebrates our community's vibrant culture and creates opportunities for our local artists and families to come together and connect," Mayor Sexton said.
"This funding will help us engage artists and deliver a high-quality event for our community.
"We thank the Queensland Government for recognising the importance of investing in our people, culture, and future."
John Armstrong, General Manager of Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation, said the very welcome infrastructure uplift means a lot to the Mornington Island community.
"We can now significantly upgrade our audio studio equipment that is over 15 years old," Mr Armstrong said.
"This means the recording of traditional and contemporary stories, music and songs from Elders and other knowledge holders, as well as younger folk experimenting with new ways of expression.
"Additionally, we can now embark on podcasts and other media broadcasts to disseminate, maintain and grow the rich cultures of our communities."
