CFPs: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Development Fund (Australia)

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Development Fund supports Queensland-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and organisations to develop new performing arts, visual arts, fashion, and textile projects. Funding ranges from AUD 10,000 to AUD 70,000 depending on the stream, with additional accessibility support available. The programme strengthens cultural expression and expands market access for Indigenous creative work.

Overview of the Fund

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Development Fund is a targeted cultural investment programme designed to support the creation, development, and presentation of new artistic work led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in Queensland.

It focuses on strengthening cultural storytelling, expanding artistic visibility, and increasing access to national and international audiences.

Programme Objectives

The fund aims to support both creative development and cultural sustainability across multiple art forms.

Key objectives include:

• Supporting new performing arts works led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists
• Strengthening culturally significant creative projects
• Expanding opportunities in visual arts, fashion, and textile sectors
• Increasing visibility of Indigenous artistic expression
• Supporting market development and audience expansion
• Enhancing accessibility for artists and audiences with disability

Eligible Art Forms and Activities

The programme supports a broad range of creative disciplines and project types.

Supported areas include:

• Performing arts productions and new creative works
• Visual arts projects and exhibitions
• Fashion design and textile-based creative work
• Cultural storytelling and performance-based initiatives
• Market development activities for artists and creative practitioners

Focus is placed on projects that are artist-led and culturally grounded.

Funding Streams and Levels

The fund provides structured financial support based on project type and scale.

Funding categories include:

• Performing Arts (Small Projects):
  • Up to AUD 20,000
  • Duration: up to 1 year
• Performing Arts (Large Projects):
  • Up to AUD 70,000
  • Duration: up to 1 year
• Visual Arts, Fashion and Textiles Market Development:
  • Up to AUD 30,000
• Accessibility Support:
  • Up to AUD 10,000
  • Supports artists and audiences with disability

Eligibility Criteria

The fund is specifically designed for Indigenous artists and organisations based in Queensland.

Eligible applicants include:

• Aboriginal artists
• Torres Strait Islander artists
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led groups
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations

Eligibility requirements:

• Applicants must be based in Queensland
• Projects must be led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators
• Proposals must demonstrate cultural relevance and artistic merit

Expected Outcomes

The programme aims to generate both cultural and professional benefits for Indigenous artists.

Expected outcomes include:

• Creation of new Indigenous performing arts works
• Strengthened cultural expression and preservation
• Increased national and international exposure for artists
• Expanded market opportunities in visual and fashion arts
• Improved accessibility in arts participation and presentation
• Greater recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creativity

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Development Fund?
  • It is a funding programme supporting Queensland-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to create and present new artistic works across performing, visual, fashion, and textile arts.
• Who can apply?
  • Eligible applicants include:
    • Aboriginal artists
    • Torres Strait Islander artists
    • Indigenous-led groups and organisations based in Queensland
• What types of projects are funded?
  • Funded projects include:
    • New performing arts works
    • Visual arts exhibitions and projects
    • Fashion and textile design initiatives
    • Cultural and creative development activities
• How much funding is available?
  • Funding includes:
    • Up to AUD 20,000 for small performing arts projects
    • Up to AUD 70,000 for large performing arts projects
    • Up to AUD 30,000 for visual arts, fashion, and textiles
    • Up to AUD 10,000 for accessibility support
• Is accessibility funding available?
  • Yes:
    • Additional support is available for artists and audiences with disability
• What is the project duration?
  • Performing arts projects can run for:
    • Up to 1 year

Conclusion

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Development Fund strengthens Indigenous cultural expression in Queensland by supporting new creative works across performing, visual, fashion, and textile arts. Through targeted funding and accessibility support, the programme enhances artistic visibility, cultural continuity, and market opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators.