CFAs: First Nations Established Artist of the Year Award (Australia)

The opportunity is available to artists practicing in community arts and cultural development, dance, experimental arts, literature, multi-arts, music, theatre and/or visual arts.

This initiative is part of Creative Australia’s First Nations First industry development programs. The programs have been developed in response to extensive community consultation on priorities and needs of the sector in response to Pillar 1, First Nations First – Revive, the Australian Government’s shared vision for Australia: a place for every story and a story for every place. These new initiatives aim to elevate existing programs and deliver new funding that build on a 50-year legacy of First Nations leadership and investment at Creative Australia.

Funding Information

• One award valued at $25,000 will be offered to one recipient.

Eligibility Criteria

• They seek nominations from arts and community organizations and individuals.

Ineligibility Criteria

• You are ineligible for this award if:
  • you are under 18 years of age
  • you do not identify as Australian First Nations
  • you’re based outside of Australia
  • you have an overdue grant report for Creative Australia
  • you owe money to Creative Australia.
• Please note: They do not accept self nominations across all categories.

Assessment  Criteria

• Applications will be assessed against two criterias:
  • Merit:
    • contribution to Australian First Nations arts and cultural expression
    • demonstrated artistic achievement within the area of practice
    • outstanding body of work
    • depth in area/s of practice
    • continued artistic practice maintained over ten years or more.
  • Impact:
    • substantial contribution to the development of First Nations arts
    • evidence that the Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts have been adhered to, including consultation and engagement with First Nations elders, collaborators and communities
    • excellence and leadership in arts and culture
    • industry and peer recognition and acknowledgment
    • contribution to diverse cultural expression.

 Application Requirements 

• You must submit a CV/extended bio for the nominee (approx. 2 x A4 pages, or a link to a CV/bio on the nominee’s website).
• You may submit up to four letters or statements of support (approx. 2 x A4 pages, or up to 5 minutes of audio/video).

For more information, visit Creative Australia.