The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair has been awarded a $48,170 grant under the Morrison Government’s Indigenous Contemporary Music program.
The $2 million program is aimed at increasing development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the grant would allow CIAF to further support local indigenous artists take the next step in their careers.
“The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair is Australia’s premier Indigenous art fair,” Mr Entsch said.
“The funding towards the CIAF Live it Up – Unearthed New Indigenous Contemporary Music project will showcase emerging talent in live performance and industry mentoring workshops during this year’s event.
“This year’s CIAF theme is ‘Sacred’ and artists will be encouraged to discuss their sacred places, their connections to them and the significance of them, as well as the threats to their conservation.
“I have no doubt this year’s CIAF will be the best yet.”
Federal Arts Minister Paul Fletcher said the $2 million program is part of the Morrison Government’s Australian Music Industry Package announced in the 2019-20 Budget.
“This round of grants will provide $604,000 to eight organisations in the Indigenous contemporary music sector, supporting opportunities for many talented Indigenous performers across the Country,” Mr Fletcher said.
“With the Morrison Government’s support, these organisations will build sustainable professional careers in the Australian and international music industries.”
Federal Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt MP said the Indigenous Contemporary Music program is critical to safeguarding our cultural heritage.
“Australia’s unique Indigenous music is engrained in tens of thousands of years of heritage and has an important place in the exchange and survival of Indigenous cultures, which is central to our country’s identity, place and belonging,” Mr Wyatt said.
