Member for Farrer, Sussan Ley, has today encouraged applications for the Australian Government’s Indigenous Languages and Arts program.

“Thanks to the previous funding round a number of projects across Farrer have been made possible, including successful applications for Wilcannia Central School, Broken Hill based West Darling Arts and also for an Indigenous languages project in Deniliquin.

“I encourage these and other local organisations to seek funding to promote the sharing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and traditions with future generations across our communities,” Ms Ley said.

Funding of up to $100,000 each year for two years is available for arts and language projects through an annual, competitive open grant round for projects that assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples express preserve and maintain their cultures through languages and arts.

Minister for the Arts, Senator Mitch Fifield said languages and arts are central parts of culture and are essential to the wellbeing and identity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“This is one of many Australian Government programs that contribute to Indigenous cultural maintenance,” Minister Fifield said.

“Through the Indigenous Languages and Arts program, we are looking for new and innovative approaches to Indigenous artistic and cultural expression.”

The competitive open grant round is one of two funding streams available each year through the $20 million Indigenous Languages and Arts program. Targeted funding is also provided to invited Indigenous language centres and arts and cultural organisations that support the maintenance of Indigenous languages and sharing of Indigenous heritage.

Applications are currently open and close at 5pm (AEST) on Monday 23 May 2016. Guidelines and more information can be found on the Ministry for the Arts website at arts.gov.au/indigenous.