First-time funding for Aboriginal arts in Tasmania

Aboriginal artists and organisations working in Aboriginal arts in Tasmania will receive almost $50,000 in grants.

The ground-breaking grants represent the first time funding has been provided specifically to support Aboriginal arts in Tasmania.

They aim to promote, teach and stimulate Aboriginal art forms and traditions.

The grants have supported a number of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal arts projects, ranging from traditional weaving and shell necklace making though to contemporary installation work.

In addition to support for individual artists such as writer Patsy Cameron and visual artists Bernice Condie, Dulcie Greeno, Fiona Maher, Lorna Riley and Jessica West there are exciting group applications.

One group will create new works in weaving, which will be exhibited by the National Gallery of Australia and Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery under the title tayenebe.

Is Theatre Ltd will provide professional development for a group of Aboriginal performing artists, and Workskills Employment Services will support Dewayne Everett-Smith to deliver performing arts workshops for young people.

This special grants round was created in response to the An Island Inspired consultation process and takes the total of State Government arts grants for 2008 to almost $3 million.

The full listing of grants is available at http://www.arts.tas.gov.au/recipients