Backing Indigenous Arts (BIA) is a Queensland Government initiative started in 2007 to build a stronger, more sustainable and ethical Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industry in Queensland. BIA is the only state government initiative of its kind in the country.

BIA aims to develop a sustainable and ethical Indigenous arts industry in Queensland, create pathways for artists and showcase their work on the world stage.

BIA has established key programs working with Indigenous art centres, the establishment of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and the Cairns opening in 2009 of the Djumbunji Press KickArts Fine Art Printmaking.

BIA has five programs:

• Indigenous Art Centre network and hubs - to support operations and capital works. The focus on Indigenous Art Centres in Far North Queensland will continue with modest expansion to other regions after a state-wide mapping project.
• Building Skills and Opportunities – for diverse projects in areas such as dance, music, theatre, writing, craft, design, new media and the visual arts
• Project profiles for Building Skills and Opportunities
• Indigenous Performance - to create a network of Queensland Indigenous festivals, touring opportunities and increased access to producing services.
• Cairns Indigenous Art Fair - to maintain its position as a major event on the national calendar and as a key market place for the ethical sale of quality Queensland Indigenous art.
• International Arts Partnership Program - to position Queensland Indigenous arts and artists as a major force in international markets and to promote them through strategic marketing and export initiatives.

 

Ministerial statements

Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - Cairns Indigenous Art Fair an international hit. View statement (external site)

Thursday, August 16, 2012 - Indigenous art centres supported into the future. View statement (external site)

Monday, August 13, 2012 - Cairns to be hub for Indigenous Art. View statement (external site)

Thursday, April 12, 2012 - 2012 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair - Bigger and Better Than Ever. View statement (external site)

9 Dec 2011 – $480,000 funding boost to Indigenous Art Centres. View statement (external site)

28 August 2011 - CIAF to return in 2012 View statement (external site)

1 April 2011 – Lighthouse Grants helping great projects shine. View statement (external site)

13 Oct 2010 – FNQ Indigenous arts sector receives $145k funding boost. View statement (external site)

15 Dec 2009 – Erub Erwer Meta Art Centre opens. View statement (external site)

13 Dec 2009 – FNQ Indigenous arts sector receives $189 k funding boost. View statement (external site)

3 Dec 2009 – Cairns Indigenous Art Fair returns in 2010. View statement (external site)

24 Aug 2009 - Thousands flock to Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. View statement (external site)

1 Feb 2009 - Boost for Queensland's Indigenous arts. View statement (external site)

29 Oct 2008 - Indigenous Print Centre a boost for Far North Queensland View Statement(external site)

5 May 2008 – Far North Queensland Indigenous artists set for success. View statement (external site)

3 October 2007 – details of funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture of Far North Queensland. View statement (external site)

More information

• See Arts Queensland's Indigenous Strategy for further information about Indigenous initiatives.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (external site) - The Department of Communities plays a key role in providing leadership and coordinating activities across state government to ensure Indigenous Queenslanders are well represented and effectively served.
• Lighthouse Grants - Schools, artists, training and art organisations can apply for Indigenous project funding under the Queensland Government's Lighthouse Grants.