Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media body First Nations Media Australia has welcomed the release of the Federal Government’s Cultural Policy, Revive.
The Federal Government’s Revive is a five-year, $286 million plan to renew and revive Australia’s arts, entertainment and cultural sector.
The Revive policy is based on five inter-connected pillars:
- First Nations First;
- A Place for Every Story;
- Centrality of the Artist;
- Strong Cultural Infrastructure;
- Engaging the Audience.
The Government’s cultural policy in relations to First Nations communities also includes:
- Introducing legislation to protect First Nations knowledge and cultural expressions, including the harm caused by fake art;
- Developing a First Nations creative workforce strategy;
- Funding the establishment of a National Aboriginal Art Gallery in Alice Springs and an Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Perth;
- Providing $11 million to establish a First Nations Languages Policy Partnership between First Nations representatives and Australian governments.
FNMA CEO Professor Shane Hearn (pictured) has welcomed the range of measures to strengthen and protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and languages, particularly through the use of First Nations media.
He says, “First Nations media, starting with printed newsletters in the early 70s right through to the many media organisations we have today, has shared the stories of our culture, artists and achievements and I welcome the Federal Government’s acknowledgement of this with the latest cultural policy.
“Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media organisations and story tellers must be supported as we are best placed to tell our stories.
“The acknowledgement that our media organisations also played a significant role delivering messages vital to communities about the recent natural disasters and COVID-19 pandemic is also welcome.”