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Backing Indigenous Arts

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Backing Indigenous Arts (BIA) is a Queensland Government initiative started in 2007 (with funding of $11.93 million over four years) 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.

With funding of $13.2 million (until 2014-2015), BIA will continue 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.

The BIA initiative has five programs:

  • Indigenous Art Centre network and hubs - $5.02 million 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 – $2.7 million for diverse projects in areas such as dance, music, theatre, writing, craft, design, new media and the visual arts
  • Indigenous Performance - $1.78 million for a network of Indigenous festivals, further touring opportunities and increased access to producing services.
  • Cairns Indigenous Art Fair - $ 2.5 million 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.
  • Queensland Indigenous Arts Marketing and Export Agency (QIAMEA) - $1.2 million will continue support for QIAMEA to assist Queensland artists to take their unique art to the world through partnerships with national and international galleries, agents, events and publishers. The Queensland Indigenous Arts Marketing and Export Agency (QIAMEA) actively promotes Queensland Indigenous arts and artists through strategic marketing and export initiatives internationally.

    QIAMEA is a Queensland Government initiative dedicated to leading the international marketing and export of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts across all art forms. QIAMEA is the dedicated international arm within the Queensland Government's Backing Indigenous Arts (BIA) initiative, managed by Arts Queensland.

 

Ministerial statements

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 – Premier opens Erub Erwer Meta Art Centre. 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 – Premier announces details of funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture of Far North Queensland. View statement (external site)

Brochures

Backing Indigenous Arts brochure

More information