Aboriginal Arts and Cultural Protocols publication cover - Warruwl (detail) by Lucy Simpson.
Image: Publication cover - Warruwl (detail) by Lucy Simpson.
Create NSW is the NSW Government's arts and cultural driver, providing funding, support and helping to grow the sector.
Create NSW acknowledges that
Driven by self-determination, these Aboriginal Arts and Culture Protocols (download in full below) have been developed as a series of suggested questions within five key principles that Aboriginal artists, arts workers and organisations should consider as a minimum standard.
These five principles have been identified as the most important elements to ensure there is Aboriginal self-determination embedded within the Aboriginal project or program.
The principles are:
Through the direction these Protocols give, we can ensure that the NSW Aboriginal cultural sector will continue to grow and thrive built on the foundations of authority, agency and relevance.
Download the protocols below
For more information contact us at protocols@create.nsw.gov.au
For more arts and culture sector resources, see the Resource Hub
The shift towards First Nations Artform Affirmation
Create NSW has changed the way ‘confirmation of Aboriginality’ is verified. We want to respect the different ways First Nations NSW people connect with their cultural heritage and Aboriginality through their arts and cultural practice.
Confirmation of Aboriginality often requires formal documentation or recognition by an external body. This can be a barrier for individuals who may not have access to documentation or who are not recognised by these bodies for various reasons.
First Nations NSW Artform Affirmation is a flexible approach that follows the NSW Aboriginal Protocols. It values self-identification, community recognition, cultural knowledge and practices, cultural exchange and engagement, connection to land, commitment to community development, and respect for cultural diversity.
It recognises cultural affirmation is deeply personal and complex. It is more than formal documentation and is often expressed through arts and cultural practice.
This change is to respect the privacy and confidentiality of the individuals involved. It means, sensitive information is handled carefully for the purpose of the application process.
First Nations NSW Artform Affirmation guidelines
Before you start the application, it’s important to understand the guidelines Create NSW use for the funding program. The guidelines are designed to acknowledge and respect the diverse ways in which First Nations NSW and Torres Strait Islander people connect with their cultural heritage and express their Aboriginality. It is recommended you go through each element, and consider how you can demonstrate your alignment with it:
| Type | Evidence required if requested For example. Sample of previous project or collaborations, video confirmation from elders, letters/ emails of support or confirmation. |
|---|---|
| Do you have a connection to a specific First Nations NSW community or land, or Torres Strait Islander community, and does this connection influence your artform or practice. | You may be asked to provide evidence of this self-identification at the contracting stage or if requested by the First Nations NSW Artform Board.
|
| Does your artform or practice reflect your First Nations NSW and Torres Strait Islander community? | You may be asked to provide a letter of support from a First Nations NSW and Torres Strait Islander organisation, Elder, or community leader at the contracting stage or if requested by the First Nations NSW Artform Board. |
| Does your knowledge of cultural heritage, traditions, and practices, inform your artform or practice? | You may be asked to provide evidence of my knowledge of traditional languages, participation in cultural ceremonies or events, involvement in traditional arts or crafts, or teaching or leadership roles within the community at the contracting stage or if requested by the First Nations NSW Artform Board. |
| Does your artform or practice actively engage and contribute to cultural exchange and community development? | You may be asked to provide evidence of my involvement in community projects, advocacy work, or other contributions that benefit my community at the contracting stage or if requested by the First Nations NSW Artform Board.
|
| Does your artform or practice acknowledge the diversity of First Nations NSW and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the identities and experiences of other First Nations NSW and Torres Strait Islander communities? | You may be asked to provide evidence at the contracting stage or if requested by the First Nations NSW Artform Board. |
If you have any accessibility feedback or concerns related to this resource, please contact us.
