- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and designers will access new commercial opportunities and markets through two strategic initiatives delivered by the Crisafulli Government.
- The programs provide mentoring, capacity building and partnership opportunities to showcase designs within infrastructure projects and the fashion and textiles industry.
- Delivering on Queensland's Time to Shine: A Ten-Year Strategy for Arts and Culture, the initiatives support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives to share their stories and access new income streams.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland and better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to help strengthen their business capacity and connect them to commercial opportunities.
Designs by six Queensland-based Indigenous artists will be showcased within hospital and health infrastructure settings through a bold pilot project, in partnership with Aboriginal owned and operated design studio Blaklash.
An Indigenous design suite will feature the artists' work and will be a key resource for architects, planners and suppliers who are seeking to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designs in Queensland's built environment.
Complementing this work, The Fashion and Design Initiative, delivered by Renshaw & Kubler Art Consultants, will see up to 15 Indigenous artists selected to pitch opportunities with leading international and Australian brands through mainstream collections, accessory lines, and textiles.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the two initiatives would help build capacity and pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives.
"The Crisafulli Government is delivering new initiatives that support the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and designers," Minister Langbroek said.
"Delivering on our 10-year strategy for arts and culture, Queensland's Time to Shine these initiatives maximise opportunities for artists to strengthen and grow their products and audiences.
"These projects will increase access to new markets, helping to increase the profile and commercial opportunities for these artists across design, fashion, and infrastructure projects."
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said he was proud of the initiative and the support it offered to First Nations artists in Queensland.
"I look forward to seeing this program come to life, helping us share First Nations culture and storytelling in our hospitals and health facilities."
Troy Casey, Co-Founder and Director of Blaklash Creative said Blaklash was proud to partner with Arts Queensland and Queensland Health on this important initiative.
"The First Nations Design Suite is an important step in embedding Indigenous perspectives within Queensland's built environment, creating new pathways for artists and communities," Mr Casey said.
"This initiative creates real, tangible economic opportunities for First Nations artists across Queensland. It's about building sustainable creative careers and demonstrating the commercial viability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander design."
Danielle Renshaw, Director, Renshaw & Kubler said the Fashion and Design Initiative champions Indigenous makers whose stories deserve to be seen, worn, and celebrated at the highest levels.
"By elevating leading First Nations creatives across Australia and abroad, we aim to highlight the depth of talent shaping contemporary design and broaden opportunities for global engagement," Ms Renshaw said.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Fund is now open for applications, with information on the Fund available at https://www.arts.qld.gov.au/
