Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) Program Funding

Arts Northern Rivers joins the ninety-four visual arts organisations that are being funded through the 2019–20 Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) program funding round. The IVAIS funding supports Mark Cora, Arts Northern Rivers’ full-time Indigenous Arts Development Officer. Within Mark’s position he delivers outreach services across the region to support and build capacity for indigenous artists, develops professional and skills development opportunities and delivers strategic projects aimed at creating viable and sustainable careers.

Over the last 12 years Arts Northern Rivers has employed an Indigenous Arts Development Officer (IADO) to support and build capacity within the Indigenous arts sector in our region. This reflects Arts Northern Rivers’ commitment to supporting Indigenous arts and cultural practice as an integral part of the services we provide.

Mark Cora attended the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair where the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher, broke the news at the opening launch. Fletcher said the funding plays a vital role in providing professional opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across the country.

“In 2017-18, the 6,000 artists supported through the program participated in over 800 exhibitions and events both nationally and internationally. Together, funded organisations contributed around $70 million to the Australian economy,” said Minister Fletcher.

The IVAIS program provides annual funding through an open competitive grants program. This support offers a growing sector that has proved its pivotal role in the cultural landscape.