14
August 2008 - Arts Minister, Peter Garrett
and Indigenous Affairs Minister, Jenny Macklin
today announced more than $37 million in
funding for Indigenous arts, cultural, languages
and broadcasting programs across Australia
in 2008–09.
Visiting the Kurruru
Youth Performing Arts Centre in Port Adelaide
Mr Garrett said the funding, through four
Government programs, would support the activities
of almost 250 organisations providing invaluable
support, services and programs to Indigenous
Australians.
“It is a real pleasure
to announce more than $37 million in funds
at Kurruru, who themselves will receive
more than $105,000 under the Indigenous
Culture Support program, and meet with and
experience the work of these young dance
students.
“All Australians will
enjoy the cultural benefits which will flow
from the projects that receive these funds;
the dance, festivals, music, television
and radio productions, the art and crafts,
and the revival and strengthening of our
Indigenous languages.
“For many Indigenous
communities, these arts, broadcasting, language
and cultural activities are their lifeblood,
generating economic benefits, showcasing
the skills of Indigenous artists and performers,
and keeping communities connected.”
Indigenous Affairs Minister,
Jenny Macklin said community art centres
held a special place in communities, not
only as a meeting place but as a valuable
source of income and employment for the
residents.
"The funding being
announced today will ensure community arts
centres continue to play that important
role.
“In the same way, the
$14 million we’re announcing for the Indigenous
Broadcasting Program recognises how essential
these services are in helping people stay
connected with their families, culture and
communities as well as providing security
for people living in remote communities.”
The Australian Government
arts and cultural funding of $37.5 million
in 2008–09 supports the following programs,
the:
• Indigenous Broadcasting
Program—$14 million to support Indigenous
community broadcasters and the production
of radio programs in remote, regional and
urban areas, and the operation of Indigenous
media peak bodies and Central Australia’s
Imparja Television service.
• Indigenous Culture
Support—$6.7 million to support 132 cultural
projects including: the transmission of
knowledge and skills across generations
through multimedia workshops, music, dance
and theatre, community festivals, and exhibitions
of community-based art and craft activity.
• Maintenance of Indigenous
Languages and Records Program—$8.8 million
to support 66 projects to strengthen and
record Indigenous languages through the
operation of language centres, multimedia
workshops, the production of dictionaries,
databases, websites, DVDs and recordings
in communities. Many of the funded projects
are contributing to the survival of languages
by recording and documenting the last remaining
speakers of a language.
• National Arts and
Crafts Industry Support—$8 million to build
a more sustainable Indigenous visual arts
industry through investment in Indigenous
art centres and arts support organisations.
The program supports professional art practice,
community art activities, business management
and governance, and employment and training
at the community level.
For full details on
the projects funded across Australia visit
www.arts.gov.au/indigenous
