Welcome to Arts South Australia’s dedicated Aboriginal arts and cultures page.
Here you’ll find the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Strategy for South Australia and its Implementation Plan.
This page is also a central web page for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures sector and wider arts sector. Here, you can find resources and information on Aboriginal arts grants and programs from a range of funding bodies, as well as links to state, national and international services.
View the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Strategy for South Australia (PDF, 12.8MB)
The development of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Strategy for South Australia (The Strategy) has been Aboriginal-led, in consultation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture sector and a wide range of other stakeholders. This is the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Strategy for South Australia.
The Strategy is centred around a set of Guiding Cultural Values, which have guided and underpinned its development and will drive and support its implementation.
The development of the Strategy is part of the South Australian Government’s commitment to delivering the Arts and Culture Plan South Australia 2019 – 2024, a comprehensive plan which incorporates a whole of government approach to embedding arts and culture in policy and community.
A cohesive and holistic approach and a comprehensive implementation plan sits alongside the Strategy to ensure the government can be timely and responsive to the changing needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures sector and communities
Some early initiatives:
Aligned with the delivery of the Strategy as part of the broader Arts and Culture Plan South Australia 2019 – 2024, Arts South Australia has delivered a number of initiatives and supported partnerships during the Strategy's development phase. These include:
- Funding to the Adelaide Fringe in 2020 to distribute $100 000 in grants and programs to Aboriginal artists, following on from successful programs in previous years.
- A partnership with the City of Adelaide, to fund the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Professional Development (public art) Grants to provide professional development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, artisans, and creatives in Public Art. The total fund was $100 000 across 2022 and 2023.
- Pilot projects and case studies with over $200 000 funding granted during the development of the Strategy. This resulted in several successful projects that exemplify new ways of working and best practice, in addition to embodying the Aspirations of the Strategy and the actions within the Implementation Plan.
The purpose of the Advisory Panel, established in 2023, is to provide strategic and expert advice, support and feedback that will guide and strengthen Arts South Australia on best cultural practices within Aboriginal arts in South Australia. The Advisory Panel will advise on the direction of the South Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy (PDF, 12.5 MB) and its Implementation Plan, including initiative outcomes.
While the Advisory Panel’s advice is not legally binding, it is anticipated that the members’ experience and knowledge of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures sector in South Australia will ensure the intentions of the Strategy and Implementation Plan are Aboriginal led and culturally appropriate.
The Advisory Panel is made up of seven Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander leaders in South Australia:
- Thomas Readett, Ngarrindjeri
- Celia Coulthard, Adnyamathanha
- Jermaine Hampton, Arrernte, Luritja, Mangarayi
- Deborah Edwards, Yankunytjatjara
- Kiah Buckskin-James, Narungga, Wirangu and Southern Arrernte
- Dre Ngatokorua, Wangkangurru, Adnyamathanha, Kuyani, Luritja, Deiri, Yankunytjatjara, Cook Island, Maori.
Visit our dedicated grants page for information about and to apply for Arts South Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants Program.
As part of our commitment to support, develop and strengthen the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts sector in South Australia, Arts South Australia has created an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Network to provide you with regular updates and information on resources, opportunities, professional development, career pathways and more.
We aim to support peer-to-peer and wider arts networking to build a culturally safe and well-informed sector.
If you would like to sign up, please email ATSIArts@sa.gov.au. You can also unsubscribe by contacting the same email address.
In October 2022, the Premier of South Australia launched a review to examine how best to deliver Tarrkarri as a place of international significance. The review is to ensure that the scope, program and budget of the Centre is benchmarked to a world-class standard, which is able to attract global visitors.
Arts South Australia is providing an opportunity for up to 30 South Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals working in or actively engaging with the arts and culture sector to participate in a two-day, in person, Board, Governance and Leadership Workshop. The workshop will be co-facilitated by a First Nations person from the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) to teach governance skills and knowledge to support First Nations arts leaders.
Purpose
Arts South Australia is excited to offer this Workshop to increase the governance skills and knowledge of South Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people currently part of a board or interested in becoming a member of an arts organisation board or management committee. Through tailored governance training we aim to strengthen and grow the voice and influence of First Nations people across the South Australian arts and culture sector.
Workshop details
The First Nations Board, Governance and Leadership Workshop will be held at Nexus Arts from Wednesday 26 to Thursday 27 June 2024.
Expressions of interest
Arts South Australia is now accepting expressions of interest. If you are interested in applying, please read the Guidelines. We also strongly encourage you discuss your submission with the Senior Project Manager of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Arts before submitting your expression of interest.
First Nations Board, Governance and Leadership Workshop Guidelines
To submit your expression of interest, please apply online.
Expressions of interest close Sunday 5 May 2024.
Contact
To discuss your expression of interest please contact:
Senior Project Manager for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Arts
Email: atsiarts@sa.gov.au
Arts South Australia is pleased to announce Brink Productions as the host company delivering the 2023-24 First Nations Emerging Playwrights Fellowship.
Brink was recommended to deliver this initiative following an application and peer assessment process.
Purpose
The Fellowship aims to provide significant sector experience for two emerging South Australian First Nations playwrights to develop their practice for theatre, and to develop professional and industry networks. Each Fellow will be supported and mentored by leading First Nations theatre artists and Brink’s artistic team who will work in consultation with Arts South Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Advisory Panel.
Fellowship details
The Fellowship will provide two emerging First Nations writers with placements of up to 12 months.
2023-24 Fellows
Following an expression of interest process, Arts South Australia and Brink Productions are thrilled to announce the successful fellows, Sonya Rankine and Jannali Jones.
Arts South Australia is facilitating an industry development pilot designed to connect First Nations digital creatives to relevant networks, experiences and technologies that foster and enhance an understanding of creative digital skills and possibilities, across both their creative and/or business practices.
Purpose
This pilot will provide significant development opportunities by connecting emerging digital creatives with industry mentors, producers and facilitators within the realms of digital producing and production. It is designed to introduce participants to a range of creative digital experiences that develop skills and knowledge, as well as develop and diversify networks that will support future digital practice and potentially lead to employment pathways.
Pilot details
The pilot will provide four emerging or established First Nations digital creatives to participate in a development program over a period of six months, approximately one day per week. Over this period, the participants will be placed with two identified Adelaide-based host organisations, whose core operations align with innovative digital and technological outputs.
Expressions of interest
Expressions of interest have now closed. Arts South Australia is now in the process of reviewing all applications and anticipates notifying all applicants of the outcome at the end of April 2024.
Contact
For any queries please contact:
Senior Project Manager for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Arts
Email atsiarts@sa.gov.au
Arts South Australia is providing up to 30 South Australian based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual artists interested in or actively engaging with digital tools and technologies in their visual arts practice to participate in a three day in-person Augmented Reality (AR) Masterclass.
Purpose
Arts South Australia is excited to offer this Masterclass to support the growth of First Nations creatives. Investing in digital capabilities and exploration will enable the pathways for more First Nations led content and innovation within the digital and technological landscape in South Australia and nationally.
Masterclass details
The Masterclass will take place over three full (consecutive) days from 5 to 7 June 2024 at MOD. at the University of South Australia, located on North Terrace in Adelaide.
The Masterclass program will explore AR techniques and applications. It will feature a series of presenters who are leading specialists with unique perspectives on AR. Exploring various perspectives will provide a well-rounded understanding of AR and how this can be applied to a visual arts practice.
Expressions of interest
Arts South Australia is now accepting expressions of interest. Please ensure you read the relevant program guidelines before applying.
Augmented Reality Masterclass Guidelines (PDF, 231.7 KB)
To submit your expression of interest, please apply as a Participant online.
Expressions of interest close at 5pm, Monday 29 April.
Contact
To discuss your expression of interest please contact:
Senior Project Manager for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Arts
Email: atsiarts@sa.gov.au
External information, resources and links
Below you will find a wide variety of information, resources and links that are specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture.
Also visit our dedicated web page on more general resources and publications.
South Australia
Carclew
Carclew supports and develops the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures youth sector through various programs and projects such as Aboriginal Artists in Schools, Tjitjiku Tjukurpa – The Children's Dreaming Project, Culture Beats and the Gig Rig.
City of Adelaide
The City of Adelaide offers a range of grants, sponsorship and other incentives to ensure Adelaide continues to be a progressive, vibrant and liveable city. Most recently the City of Adelaide partnered with Arts South Australia to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Professional Development (public art) grants and an industry networking and grant information event.
Find out more about City of Adelaide grants.
Country Arts SA
Country Arts SA provides grants and professional advice to regionally based artists and communities. It has a First Nations Advisory Committee and supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts in South Australia through various programs and projects such as Nunga Tix and Nunga Screen.
Find out more about funding or Country Arts SA’s First Nations Program.
Dance SA
Dance SA is committed to delivering a positive, inclusive, and fun experience within communities across Australia.
Dance SA aims to provide enjoyment through creative learning, empowering students to feel brave, proud, unique, and alive.
Dance SA is honoured to share the journey of personal growth with each student in its ‘dance family’.
Guildhouse
Guildhouse is South Australia’s leading organisation for visual artists, craftspeople and designers. A membership-based organisation, it focusses on creating opportunities for artists and leading sector development.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners are supported by programs such as Catapult + Tarnanthi, and the CSIRO Waite Campus Artist in Residence: for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Find out more about Guildhouse.
Ku Arts
Ku Arts provides advocacy, support services, creative skills and professional development opportunities for artists and arts workers across all stages of their careers in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts sector.
Its Statewide Indigenous Community Arts Development (SICAD) project, services artists where there is typically no access to community-owned art centres and supports the long running Our Mob exhibition.
Music Development Office
The Music Development Office facilitates and supports the development of South Australia’s music industry by supporting both creative and business development. It provides funding and support to musicians and the industry.
Find out more about the Music Development Office.
South Australian Film Corporation
Anchored by its First Nations Screen Strategy, the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) provides support, funding and development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander screen practitioners, with initiatives such as Centralised and the Pirrku Kuu Hub.
South Australian First Nations Writers
The South Australian First Nations Writers Group was established to foster and develop the continuing diversity and growth of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writing in South Australia. The group meets once a month, holds various events and hosts guest speakers.
Find out more about the South Australian First Nations Writers or join the First Nations Writers group.
The Circle – First Nations Entrepreneur Hub
The Circle assists the South Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business sector.
The Circle team works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses one-on-one, providing tailored business support, solutions and referrals to a range of experts and opportunities. It aims to reduce the gaps in current support and services and provide a culturally appropriate response for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business sector.
Find out more about the Circle.
The Mill
The Mill’s vision is for a thriving and prosperous arts culture in South Australia.
The Mill is South Australia’s leading multidisciplinary arts organisation. Since 2013, The Mill has grown to encompass studio, creative industry offices, and working spaces and the current site on Angas Street is home to over 45 artists, makers, and designers at any one time.
National
BlakDance Australia
Blakdance is a national industry organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contemporary dancers and choreographers.
In addition to sector engagement, gatherings and advocacy, its Capacity Building Programs grow the next generation of producers, productions and dancers by building networks and relationships with artists through the Dance Labs, seeding new work through residencies, and accelerating career pathways for graduates.
Find out more about Blakdance.
Creative Australia
Creative Australia is the Australian Government’s principal arts investment, development and advisory body. It provides artists and organisations with funding, development and support through peer assessed grants, fellowships, programs and awards and has a dedicated team for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures.
Find out more about Creative Australia.
First Nations Australia Writers Network
First Nations Australia Writers Network (FNAWN) advocates on behalf of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander writers, poets and storytellers.
It supports ongoing development opportunities, in order to sustain and enhance First Nations Australia writing and storytelling.
First Nations Fashion and Design
First Nations Fashion and Design (FNFD) is a national voice representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members.
It creates ongoing access to opportunities, skills development, and industry engagement, and is working towards a self-sustaining ecosystem of Aboriginal fashion designers, textile artists, jewellery designers, photographers, models, hair and make-up artists, stylists, curators, and fashion industry professionals.
National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Music Office
The National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Music Office (NATSIMO) supports the growth and development of songwriters and composers and advocates for a thriving, self-determined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music industry.
NATSIMO is an Indigenous-led initiative of the Australasian Performing Right Association Limited and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (APRA AMCOS) and is the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music creators.
National Association for the Visual Arts
The National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) leads advocacy, policy and action for a contemporary Australian arts sector. It provides grants and a limited range of free resources such as art business basics, artists fees, contracts and legal issues, marketing, pricing and selling work, understanding copyright and writing grant proposals.
Find out more about NAVA and NAVA grants.
Office for the Arts – Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
The Australian Government Office for the Arts has various grants and programs to support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures sector, such as the Indigenous Languages and Arts program (ILAP), Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) program and Indigenous contemporary music grants.
Find out more about the Office for the Arts.
Screen Australia
To support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander screen practitioners, Screen Australia has a dedicated First Nations department. In addition to funding, it also provides support, insights, tools and resources. Some examples are:
- Tools and insights for Indigenous program makers: Sample paperwork, budgeting templates, tips and more
- Pathways & Protocols: A filmmaker's guide to working with Indigenous people, culture and concepts
- Templates for all types of screen content, budgets, production forms etc.
Arts Law – Artists in the Black
Arts Law provides free or low cost specialised legal advice, education and resources to Australian artists and arts organisations across all art forms, on a wide range of arts related legal and business matters.
Artists in the Black is a free service of Arts Law, dedicated to providing legal assistance and advice to Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities.
Find out more about Arts Law - Artists in Black.
Black Screen – National Film and Sound Archive
Black Screen connects culture, stories and language with community through screen. The Black Screen collection includes over 40 short films and documentaries created by renowned filmmakers. Each film is provided on a loan basis to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities for private screenings and community celebrations free of charge.
Find out more about Black Screen.
Creative Australia
Creative Australia has several research papers on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture.
Find out more about Creative Australia’s research database.
Cultural Safety
Find out more about Cultural Safety in the arts.
Language
Kaurna
The Adelaide Plains are the traditional lands of the Kaurna. Kaurna Warra Karrpanthi (KWK) is a Kaurna organisation that provides help with requests for Kaurna names and translations.
Contact KWK for any enquiries.
Pitjantjatjara
Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara are in the north-west of South Australia / central Australia. Iwiri is a member-based Aboriginal Corporation for Aṉangu (Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara people) who live in Adelaide. It provides interpreters and helps with language and translations.
Contact Iwiri for any enquiries.
Barngarla
Barngarla is a reclaimed language that was spoken in the Port Lincoln, Whyalla and Port Augusta areas of Eyre Peninsula, South Australia.
Find out more about Barngarla.
Mobile Language Team
The Mobile Language Team works across the state and beyond with several Aboriginal communities and their heritage languages. Its work is guided by best-practice protocols for the maintenance and preservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage and language materials.
Find out more about the Mobile Language Team.
Live Performance Australia
Live Performance Australia (LPA) is the peak body for Australia’s live performance industry. It has an extensive collection of resources to help navigate the complexities of the workplace regulatory landscape including agreements and awards, codes of practice, contract templates, fact sheets, wage summaries and work health and safety guides.
Protocols – Cultural Protocols
Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation as part of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet has some cultural resources. See more about:
Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts
Arts South Australia works with artists and organisations to ensure respect and acknowledgement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and cultures and does not support activity which misrepresents or appropriates Aboriginal cultural material.
Creative Australia has a comprehensive framework for respecting Aboriginal arts and culture.
Find out more from Creative Australia.
Renewal SA
Renewal SA is committed to becoming a leader of reconciliation within South Australia’s property and development sector.
View the First Nations Language and Terminology Guidelines for Renewal SA employees to use when considering and planning their communication.
Supply Nation
Supply Nation provides Australia’s leading database of verified Indigenous businesses.
South Australia
Aboriginal Heritage
Australian Aboriginal culture is the longest continuing culture in the world. South Australia has a long and enduring Aboriginal history and ever evolving Aboriginal traditions. South Australia is home to over 30 Aboriginal language groups, each with distinct beliefs, cultural practices and languages.
Find out more about Aboriginal Heritage.
First Nations Screen Strategy – South Australian Film Corporation
Launched in November 2020 as part of NAIDOC Week, the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) First Nations Screen Strategy 2020-2025 is the agency’s new five-year plan to grow, highlight and support South Australian First Nations voices and stories on screens locally and globally.
Find out more about First Nations Screen Strategy.
Reconciliation Action Plan – Department of the Premier and Cabinet
The Department of the Premier and Cabinet has formalised its commitment to Reconciliation with its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). RAPs are practical plans of action built on relationships, respect and opportunities.
Find out more about the Department of the Premier and Cabinet's commitment to Reconciliation.
South Australian Arts and Cultural Tourism Strategy 2025
To ensure the vibrancy of our arts and culture, the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) and Arts South Australia developed the Arts and Cultural Tourism Strategy through a joint initiative.
The aim of the strategy is to grow the sector in South Australia through increased expenditure on our amazing Arts and Cultural experiences.
Find out more about the Arts and Cultural Tourism Strategy.
National
Indigenous Art Code
The Indigenous Art Code is a system to preserve and promote ethical trading in Indigenous art. The purpose of the Code is to establish standards for dealings between Dealers and Artists.
Find out more about Indigenous Art Code.
National Indigenous Visual Arts Action Plan 2021–25
The National Indigenous Visual Arts Action Plan sets the Australian Government’s priorities to support the visual arts sector over the next five years. The Plan will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, organisations and businesses in their ability to direct and decide on their cultural and economic interests, and the evolution of their industry.
Find out more about National Indigenous Visual Arts Action Plan 2021-2025.
This section is for information purposes only and does not constitute advertising or promotion of any particular course or institution.
South Australia
Adelaide Central School of Art
Adelaide Central School of Art is a leading independent, not-for-profit, tertiary provider of visual arts education. There is a First Nations Academic Officer on staff to support Aboriginal students.
Find out more about Adelaide Central School of Arts.
Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music – The University of Adelaide
The Centre for Aboriginal Studies is Music (CASM) is the only devoted university-based centre for studies in Australian Indigenous music.
Flinders University
Yungkurrinthi Inparrila, meaning ‘meeting place’ in Kaurna, is a dedicated outdoor space situated next to the Yungkurrinthi Turruku (Building) at Bedford Park, which honours and acknowledges Country, cultural knowledge and learning.
Yungkurrinthi Inparrila offers a space to host Welcome to Country, smoking ceremonies, events and gatherings, and learning and teaching activities. It provides a place of wellbeing and healing, a place to grieve, and somewhere to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities together.
Find out more about Flinders University - Office of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement.
TAFE SA
TAFE SA’s Aboriginal Access Centre (AAC) provides support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The AAC offers a variety of programs through many TAFE SA sites, including regional and remote locations.
Find out more about TAFE SA - Aboriginal Access Centre.
The Helpmann Academy
The Helpmann Academy provides professional development opportunities including grants and awards, fellowships, mentorships, masterclasses and seminars, advisory services and international artist residencies, all tailored specifically for South Australia’s higher education students, graduates and emerging artists.
Find out more about the Helpmann Academy opportunities or Helpmann Academy stimulus grants.
UniSA
Since its founding, UniSA has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to Aboriginal engagement through its founding act and important initiatives such as the Aboriginal Taskforce, Australia’s first Aboriginal Tertiary Program, and Aboriginal Studies programs. Its Student Engagement includes Wirringka Student Services, the Aboriginal Tutoring Program, and Aboriginal Pathway Program.
Wirltu Yarlu - The University of Adelaide
Wirltu Yarlu is responsible for engaging with and recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as well as providing support to students during their time at the University of Adelaide.
Find out more about Wirltu Yarlu at The University of Adelaide.
National
Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts
The Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA) provides teaching excellence and innovation in contemporary performance. Its diverse training centre offers performing arts courses in the genres of dance, song, stage and screen.
Australian Film Television and Radio School
The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) is the nation’s premier screen arts and broadcast school.
AFTRS Indigenous supports and identifies pathways for talented Indigenous storytellers with initiatives such as Elder-in-Residence, Indigenous scholarships, short courses and masterclasses, in addition to standard courses.
The Luminis Foundation Indigenous Fellowship for Cultural Leadership
The Master of Fine Arts (Cultural Leadership) is an interdisciplinary part-time Master’s degree that is future focused and designed specifically for producers, curators, arts managers, directors or cultural practitioners in any field, who are leading, or aspiring to lead change in their sector.
The Luminis Foundation Indigenous Fellowship supports the successful applicant by funding 50% of the Master of Fine Arts (Cultural Leadership) course fee.
Find out more about the Cultural Leadership degree.
NAISDA Dance College
NAISDA Dance College is Australia’s premier Indigenous training college.
It offers professional expertise and word class training facilities to deliver accredited training programs that are rich in cultural learning and practice.
Find out more about the NAISDA Dance College.
Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development
The Wilin Centre works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to identify, recruit and support potential and practicing Indigenous artists to study and refine their academic and artistic skills. It fosters innovation in the research, development, advocacy and presentation of Indigenous arts and cultural practice.