Key Outcomes for Visual Arts
Session Nine
Funding
Kerri McIlvenny outlined the importance of encouraging artistic excellence in Indigenous arts programs. One way to support this excellence was through encouraging programs that were based on traditional practices. Although demand for visual arts funding outstripped supply, there were ways to make the allocation of that funding fairer and more accessible. These strategies included having Indigenous peers assess all applications that are provided, in addition to supporting individuals and groups in their presentations and promotions of their ideas within the application process. Varied means of communicating ideas should continue to be encouraged within the application process, to make this process more equitable and less focused on written applications.
Sally Basser outlined the numerous galleries and program areas managed by the Commonwealth Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA). The Department's Indigenous programs included the National Arts and Crafts Industry Support Strategy (NACIS) with an annual $4.4 million budget, the Regional Arts And Culture Support Program (RACS) with a $6.6 million budget, the Maintenance Of Indigenous Languages and Records Program (MILR) with a $8.5 million budget and the Sport and Recreation Programs (ISRP) with funding in the region of $11.7 million each year. A $13.3 million program in Indigenous Broadcasting supports Indigenous owned and controlled organisations. Indigenous Coordination Centres (ICCs) provide support services to local communities. Demand for funding outstrips availability by many millions of dollars in each program area annually. The Regional Arts Fund delivers $2.6 million for cultural development, the funding now being devolved to regional arts organisations in the individual states and territory governments. The Department also manages touring programs and festivals around the country that encourage artists and performers to visit remote and isolated Indigenous communities.
Jackie Halsey noted that Arts NT is now the only Indigenous arts funding body in the Northern Territory for many organisations following the demise of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Commission.
Kerri McIlvenny concluded that the tiers of government need to continue to work together, programs need to be accessible and appropriate for Indigenous arts, the value and importance of cultural infrastructure needs to be recognised and the gaps have to be addressed.