The Queensland Government will invest $1.5 million in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts organisations to support new projects and upgrade Indigenous Art Centres across Queensland.
Funding includes $1.14 million through the First Nations Commissioning Fund for 16 artists and arts companies to develop and present projects in dance, music, theatre, design and visual arts. Another $225,000 will support upgrades for Indigenous Art Centres in six communities.
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Daryl Sexton said the council was proud to receive support for the Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival.
"The festival celebrates our community's vibrant culture and creates opportunities for our local artists and families to come together and connect," Mayor Sexton said.
"This funding will help us engage artists and deliver a high-quality event for our community.
"We thank the Queensland Government for recognising the importance of investing in our people, culture, and future."
Acclaimed Meriam Mer designer Grace Lillian Lee will receive funding to develop a new 2026 collection in collaboration with Gangalida, Garrawa and Torres Strait Island communities, building on her 2025 Paris Couture Fashion Week debut.
Gamilaroi and Wiradjuri woman Sharron Mirii Bell will develop 'The Aunty Sharron Show' for children, exploring culture, sustainability and wellbeing, while the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council will present its 2025 music festival celebrating dance, music, art and culture.
Lucas Proudfoot, Dr Alethea Beetson and Munimba-Ja Arts Centre will each receive $10,000 to commission new live or recorded music from Queensland-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Indigenous Art Centres in Mornington Island, Pormpuraaw, Yarrabah, Hopevale, Cherbourg and Aurukun will receive $25,000 each for infrastructure and equipment upgrades, including building repairs, new lighting, recording equipment and pottery kilns.
Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation General Manager, John Armstrong, said the funding would allow the Mornington Island community to significantly improve its audio studio equipment.
"This means the recording of traditional and contemporary stories, music and songs from Elders and other knowledge holders, as well as younger folk experimenting with new ways of expression," Mr Armstrong said.
"Additionally, we can now embark on podcasts and other media broadcasts to disseminate, maintain and grow the rich cultures of our communities."
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the investment was part of the government's Queensland's Time to Shine strategy to grow the creative workforce and strengthen the state's cultural profile ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson added the funding would benefit both established events and local community arts centres, particularly in discrete communities.