First Nations Artist Support

South East Arts has a long and proud history of working alongside First Nations artists, creatives and cultural leaders from across the NSW South East.

We are committed to providing ongoing support that strengthens creative practice, professional development and cultural connection.

Our First Nations services are designed to help artists and creatives at every stage — whether you’re beginning your journey, developing a new project, or expanding your professional career.

How We Can Support You

We can assist with:

• Writing your artist statement or bio

• Funding and grant research and applications

• Project development and planning

• Guidance on pricing, contracts and licensing

• Promoting your work through digital and media channels

• Developing and delivering cultural workshops or activities

• Identifying performance, exhibition and collaboration opportunities

• Website development and online presence

• Cultural tourism initiatives and partnerships

• Professional development and training opportunities

• Advice on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP)

• Assistance with creative collaborations and connecting with festivals and organisations

If you’re a First Nations artist or creative looking for advice, collaboration or guidance, we encourage you to get in touch.

📧 chelsy@southeastarts.org.au

Working with First Nations Artists and Communities

South East Arts supports organisations, festivals and events that wish to work respectfully and collaboratively with First Nations artists and communities across the NSW South East.

We offer practical guidance, resources and connections to help ensure your engagement is culturally safe, meaningful and mutually beneficial.

Our aim is to build understanding, strengthen partnerships, and foster long-term relationships between First Nations creatives and the broader arts sector.

How We Can Assist

We can provide advice and support on:

• Programming and content development featuring First Nations artists

• Budgeting for First Nations projects and participation

• Promoting and profiling First Nations artists and creatives

• Cultural protocols and awareness training and consultation

• Understanding Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights

• Facilitating creative collaborations and partnerships

• Identifying funding and grant opportunities

• Effective communication and engagement with First Nations communities

• Understanding historical and contemporary contexts

• Developing long-term, respectful relationships built on trust and collaboration

If you’re planning a project or event involving First Nations artists, we encourage you to get in touch early in your planning process.

📧 chelsy@southeastarts.org.au

Our Commitment to First Nations Arts and Culture

South East Arts is deeply committed to fostering a vibrant and sustainable First Nations arts and cultural sector — one that provides Aboriginal people with greater opportunities to participate in, share and strengthen culture through creative practice, and to develop meaningful careers and businesses in the arts.

We work collaboratively with artists, communities and organisations to support cultural expression, professional development and cultural leadership throughout the Eurobodalla, Bega Valley and Snowy Monaro.

We continue to achieve this by:

• Advocating for increased recognition and expression of Aboriginal arts and culture across the region.

• Providing professional development opportunities and improving access to cultural infrastructure and events.

• Showcasing and celebrating Aboriginal artists, creative practice and cultural expression.

• Delivering initiatives that develop creative practice and arts business skills to support sustainable creative careers.

• Maintaining regular contact and collaboration with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organisations engaged in arts and cultural programs.

• Advising and assisting Aboriginal artists and organisations to access funding for cultural projects and programs.

• Strengthening community participation in arts and cultural activities through strategic partnerships and engagement initiatives.

• Facilitating connections between artists and organisations to foster opportunities and ensure appropriate cultural protocols are followed.

Through these actions, South East Arts continues to support a strong, connected and thriving First Nations creative sector — one that honours Country, culture and community.

Our Work and Achievements in First Nations Arts

South East Arts has a long-standing commitment to supporting First Nations arts and cultural development across the NSW South East.

Our work is grounded in collaboration, cultural respect and the creation of long-term opportunities for Aboriginal artists, organisations and communities.

A key milestone in this journey has been the presentation of Giiyong Festival — the region’s first all-Aboriginal arts and cultural festival. Since 2018, the event has brought together annually more than 5,000 audience members and over 100 musicians, performers, artists and presenters, and has been delivered in partnership with Twofold Aboriginal Corporation and Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC).

Following this success, Twofold Aboriginal Corporation has now taken leadership of Giiyong Festival, ensuring that the event continues to grow as a First Nations-led cultural celebration.

Past and Recent Achievements

Our ongoing contributions to First Nations sector development include:

• Supporting Yangla Bugan (Sing on Country) — a highly successful, community-led Aboriginal language and cultural revitalisation program delivered on Djiringanj Country in the Bega Valley.
  Developed by Jirribitti Dreaming and Koori Rose, in collaboration with Aunty Ellen Mundy, the program builds on the success of Surfing with the Mob by incorporating language learning and song as central tools for cultural connection and community wellbeing.

• Curating exhibitions for the Bundian Way Aboriginal Gallery in Delegate, featuring artists from across the region and beyond.

• Supporting the creative and business development of the Djaadjawan Dancers, an Aboriginal women’s dance group based in Narooma.

• Engaging music organisation Grow the Music to deliver contemporary music residencies and performances at Wallaga Lake Koori Village, Eden, Bega and Narooma.

• Delivering songwriting and video projects at Eden and Bega High Schools, leading to the creation of original songs and music videos by young First Nations artists.

• Supporting emerging artists across disciplines including music, dance, writing, visual arts and design.

• Facilitating professional development opportunities for Aboriginal artists through workshops, creative development programs and mentorships.

These initiatives reflect our continued focus on First Nations leadership, creative excellence and community connection.
By working in partnership with Aboriginal organisations, artists and cultural leaders, South East Arts remains dedicated to strengthening the visibility, sustainability and success of First Nations arts across the South East region.

South East Arts is supported by funding from the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Scheme (IVAIS)