While in Australia we grapple with the introduction of a much needed First Peoples’ Voice to Parliament, our Commonwealth cousins in Canada have released a research report which focuses on the value of Public Funding for Indigenous arts and cultures.
The research project, conducted by the Canadian Council for the Arts and Archipel Research and Consulting Inc., was guided by a “Two-Eyed Seeing” methodology, which brings both Indigenous and Western world views together. Key research findings note that:
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Arts and cultural practices are integral to Indigenous ways of being. Indigenous arts and cultures provide essential functions for cultural continuity and revitalization.
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Public funding is integral to the success of Indigenous artists, arts, and cultures. Funding through the Council has supported the meaningful work of Indigenous artists, that they might not have been able to do otherwise.
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Indigenous artists and organisations continue to face barriers to access the support they need.
Further details are available at: https://canadacouncil.ca/research/research-library/2022/09/reflections-from-the-canada-council-for-the-arts