The Federal Government’s newly announced “Revival” cultural policy which is set to use $286 million to fully revamp Australia’s creative output will take a concentrated effort in platforming Indigenous creatives.
The policy is underpinned by four pillars ranging from artist support to insuring a stronger cultural infrastructure for Australia, however the first pillar is all about putting “First Nation’s First.”
Included in the support is a creative emphasis on training pathways for Indigenous artists and strengthening the capacity of all aspects of the First Nations arts and culture sector.
On the policy’s recently released document it highlights this commitment
Understanding and awareness of First Nations cultures and knowledges will support greater recognition for First Nations peoples and truth-telling.
In the words of Oodgeroo Noonuccal’s poem, ‘A Song of Hope,’ ‘To our fathers’ fathers, the pain the sorrow, to our children’s children, the glad tomorrow,” it states.
Aside from more funding to allow First Nation’s creatives to create their own stories with bigger scales and budgets, the document also highlights commitments to the full implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and greater support in telling First Nations histories and stories across the nation’s libraries, archives and museums.
Speaking on the ABC, Ilbijerri Theatre Company’s artistic director Rachael Maza said that the overhaul will give First Nation’s creatives the ability to explore Australia’s extraordinary culture and history like never before.
Image Credit: Emmanuel Berrod
