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IIAP 2021/22 Program kicks off in Cairns

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Following on the success of the 2020/2021 pilot program and thanks to support from the Australian Government's Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund, IACA presents the 2021/2022 'IACA Indigenous Artsworker Program' (IIAP) a 10-month Indig­enous artsworker professional development training program.

In light of COVID-19 lockdowns, the IACA team have adapted to online methods of train­ing and embraced the opportunities that video conferencing affords. Ever-changing Co­vid situations permitting, the program also includes in-person practical sessions and field trips. Starting in September 2021 and culminating in July 2022, IACA has developed a weekly online training schedule. All sessions will be recorded so that videos as well as supple­mentary learning resources can be made available for participants to access online any­time via the IACA Members Area Website.

IACA understands that Art Centre job roles are varied and involve a combination of highly specialised skills. The IACA Indigenous Artsworker Training Program has been de­veloped with this in mind so that the subject of each training module correlates to Art Centre job descriptions and real-world practical applications.

Due to the small group size this training program is flexible, responsive, and shaped to suit artsworker abilities, needs and requests. Artsworkers will be assigned weekly tasks during training follow-up sessions and thereby given the chance to work­shop outcomes with their peers in a safe, informal tutorial environment.

On 28 October the 2021/2022 program got off to a flying start at NorthSite Contemporary Arts in Cairns. With behind the scenes access and insights into storage, conservation, artwork handling and packaging. Customised training included personal development, masterclasses in retail, curatorial admin and exhibition installation. The week was a great success thanks to the trainers Penny Watson and the excellent NorthSite staff: Ashleigh Campbell, Aven Noah Jnr, Rosie Miller, Lauren Carter and Jamaylya Ballangarry-Kearins.

This year’s cohort of artsworkers includes:

  • Flora Au (Badu Arts)
  • Kian Bowen (Hope Vale Arts and Cultural Centre)
  • Margaret Mara (Wei’Num Arts and Crafts)
  • Tahmana Misick (Moa Arts)
  • Babetha Nawia (Moa Arts)
  • Laurie Nona (Badu Arts)
  • Matilda Nona (Badu Arts)

This project has been made possible by assistance from the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund - an Australian Government initiative.

Main image credit: (L to R) Margaret Mara, Matilda Nona, Geraldine Henrici, Penny Watson, Pam Bigelow, Tahmana Misick, Babetha Nawia and Kian Bowen in Cairns.

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Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support Queensland Government Indigenous Art Code Creative Australia Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).

IACA gratefully acknowledges, the Australian Government’s Office for the Arts, Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program, the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland’s Backing Indigenous Arts initiative, Creative Australia and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) for their invaluable financial assistance and ongoing support. IACA is a proud supporter member of the Indigenous Art Code.

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Make a Difference. Support IACA's Capacity Building Programs. Across Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait, more than 400 Indigenous artists are creating, working, and sustaining culture through their community art centres. When you give to IACA, you stand with these artists — and with the art centres that sustain them. These are places where culture is lived and shared, where knowledge flows between generations, and where livelihoods are built on Country. Thriving art centres mean thriving communities. They are hubs of cultural strength, economic opportunity, and community connection. Your donation supports IACA’s work alongside its member art centres through co-designed programs that build real skills and create genuine employment pathways for First Nations artworkers. Your gift helps fund: • Training programs developed with and for art centres • Creative fellowships for artists • Travel for artworkers to access training and mentorship • Learning resources, expertise, and tools that strengthen capacity across the network IACA partners with community-led art centres where artists and their communities are shaping their own futures — culturally, socially, and economically. Your support makes this possible. Indigenous Art Centre Alliance Inc. is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

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