A new funding program offering Aboriginal Business Development and Capacity Building Grants has opened to support the Indigenous arts and culture sector in Western Australia.
Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman encouraged Aboriginal arts and cultural organisations based in regional or remote WA to apply for a share in the pool, with $30,000 grants available per eligible applicant.
The funding forms part of the McGowan Government's Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program (RACIP). RACIP is delivering almost $20 million over four years to regional WA to create economic development, tourism opportunities, and social cohesion by supporting cultural and creative industries contributing to liveability and vibrancy.
Applications for the Aboriginal Business Development and Capacity Building Grant program are open from 15 November to 22 December 2022. Projects may commence from 1 June 2023 and should be completed within 12 months.
The program aims to support WA's regional and remote arts and cultural industry by:
- assisting Aboriginal organisations to develop strategic, business, succession, sustainability, and/or governance plans;
- strengthening cultural tourism, audience and economic diversification; and
- developing long-term skills goals for Aboriginal arts workers, artists, and communities.
Organisations outside regional WA may be eligible if they are able to demonstrate direct benefit or partnership with WA-based Aboriginal arts and cultural organisations.
For more information, including how to apply, visit: https://staging.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/funding/arts-funding/aboriginal-business-development-and-capacity-building-grant-program/
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"I'm proud the McGowan Government is launching this new stream of funding to improve economic and employment growth in WA's regional and remote Aboriginal communities, while supporting the rapidly growing Aboriginal arts and culture industry.
"Aboriginal arts and culture organisations can each apply for a $30,000 grant to support business development and capacity building. This might include governance training for board members, business sustainability planning, or marketing activities to help access new customers or audiences. Eligible organisations include Aboriginal arts and cultural organisations, arts centres, language centres, and cultural centres.
"I look forward to seeing the projects come to fruition, and the long-term impact these opportunities will have for the Aboriginal arts and culture sector in regional and remote Western Australia once the funding has been allocated."
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti:
"Western Australia is home to many world-renowned Aboriginal artists, with exhibitions of their work held in acclaimed galleries across the globe.
"This program seeks to build on that success, to ensure businesses have the capacity to support emerging Aboriginal artists pursue their dreams.
"Art is such a vital part of cultural expression, and these grants will facilitate that throughout our most remote communities."
