Australia Council announces Cherish Fund to support First Nations creatives

12 June 2020 Books+Publishing

The Australia Council has announced a new fund of approximately $500,000 to ‘support and invest in First Nations arts and cultural groups experiencing disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic’.

The Cherish Fund, from which First Nations individuals and groups can apply for grants of $25,000 or more, is part of the organisation’s Covid-19 response package, and comprises redirected funds from suspended Australia Council programs.

The fund, which is open to First Nations creatives including writers and writing organisations, will support three streams: Living Libraries, Creative Practice and Creative Workforce.

In a statement, executive director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Lydia Miller said the fund had been informed by the Australia Council’s regular First Nations Roundtables, sector discussions and consultations.

‘Now, more than ever, we must invest in First Nations arts and culture and artists. A key theme to emerge during consultations is the need to protect Senior Custodians and Elders as the source of cultural knowledge and artistic expression through song, dance, story, images and narrative,’ she said.

Applications are open now until 12pm on Monday 15 June. For guidelines and criteria see the Australia Council website here.

Category: Local news