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New fund from Queensland government to boost First Nations-led fashion and textiles

Phoebe Blogg - September 30, 2024

Elisa Jane Carmichael Collection, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 2017. (Image: Tim Ashton)

To support industry growth in Australia's First Nations fashion sector, the Queensland government has announced the opening of the First Nations Fashion and Textiles Accelerator Fund, as part of the Queensland Government's First Nations Fashion and Textiles Plan 2024-2026 launched in July.

Queensland's Minister for the Arts, Quandamooka woman Leeanne Enoch, made the announcement this month.

"The First Nations-led fashion and textiles industry in Queensland is anchored in ancient and enduring cultural practices and provides audiences and markets with a range of opportunities to engage with First Nations stories," she said.

"From high end couture to fabrics for furnishing, First Nations artists, creatives, collectives and communities in Queensland have a unique and powerful presence in Australia's fashion and textile industry."

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch. (Image: www.arts.qld.gov.au)

The intent of the new fund is to support First Nations artists in Queensland who are working with fashion and textiles industry to share their stories, celebrate their cultural identity and maximise the economic potential of their art.

The plan is backed by a Queensland government's investment of $800,000 across two years, with initiatives supported through the First Nations Fashion and Textiles Accelerator Fund "working to grow creative practice and capability, broaden industry markets and enable scalable First Nations-led industry development", the government said.

Queensland-based First Nations Designer, Grace Lillian Lee said the fund goes beyond expanding markets, and also aims to further celebrate culture and creativity.

"Empowering First Nations artists through the Fashion and Textiles Accelerator Fund is not just about expanding markets—it's about celebrating cultural identity, fostering creativity, and unlocking the potential of stories woven into every piece. This fund support collectives and individuals laying the groundwork for a sustainable future where art and heritage flourish, paving the way for a vibrant representation on the global stage," she said.

Chair of Trade and Investment Queensland Daniel Gshwind said the fund and the First Nations Fashion and Textiles Plan will build on the quality and diversity of the First Nations fashion industry and community in Queensland.

"Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) is committed to working with all First Nations businesses to make the most of their enormous potential to create new national and international trade opportunities," he said.

"This fund as a key action of the First Nations Fashion and Textiles Plan will build on the quality and diversity of the industry in Queensland and leverage the increasing global recognition for its unique designs and products.

"First Nations peoples have a long history of trading in our region, and through enhanced partnerships and market access First Nations designers and creatives will be supported to secure increased opportunities for economic participation and cultural export."

Established First Nations fashion and textile artists and businesses that produce wearable art, and ready to wear fashion collections, and fabrics showcasing local artists work are encouraged to apply to the Fund to increase production, enter new collaborations and expand into national and international markets.