Working with Aboriginal cultural content

This page has information for people applying for a grant that involves Aboriginal arts and cultural practices or has outcomes for Aboriginal artists and their communities.

There are requirements that apply to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal applicants, whether you're applying from elsewhere to work in Aboriginal communities or applying from within a community.

When applying for a grant you must:

• complete the Aboriginal cultural content section within your application to identify whether First Australians are leading, conceiving, participating or simply being consulted
• include evidence of the leadership, conception process, appropriate consultation, permissions and support from relevant Aboriginal peoples, community or language groups regarding the project
• provide letters of support from Elders, custodians, land councils or other appropriate community and artist representatives
• provide signed participation forms or clear evidence of participation in line with the protocols above
• provide evidence that your project meets Aboriginal art and cultural protocols and principles.

Before you apply for a grant

If you have questions about demonstrating community support for your project, contact an Arts NT arts development officer.

Protocols for working with Aboriginal artists

If you work with Aboriginal artists and communities, you should follow the Australia Council for the Arts’ protocols. Read the protocols for specific art forms on the Australia Council for the Arts website.

For more information on protecting Aboriginal copyright and intellectual property, go to the Arts Law Centre of Australia's Artists in the Black website.