29 March 2025
Crisafulli Government's investment to enrich First Nations art and fashion
Eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fashion and textile businesses in Queensland will share in $418,000 through the First Nations Fashion and Textiles Accelerator Fund.
Investment will support Indigenous artists and designers grow their businesses through new partnerships and expanded production capacity.
- Crisafulli Government investment supports economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, designers and businesses.
The Crisafulli Government is investing in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and fashion designers through investments in the First Nations Fashion and Textiles Accelerator Fund.
Eight Indigenous fashion design and textile businesses will share in $418,000 to upscale their businesses, forge new creative partnerships, share their stories and cultures with a wider audience, and expand their production to meet market demand.
A variety of funded projects will help to expand the supply of unique and high-quality Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fashion, design and textiles.
These include machinery upgrades and specialist skills training in the Torres Strait, the development of new fashion collections in Cairns and the Gold Coast, and an international exchange program for artists in Cape York.
Two Indigenous Arts Centres - Badu Art Centre on Badu Island in the Torres Strait, and Yalanji Arts in Port Douglas in Far North Queensland - will each receive $60,000 to expand production lines and fund vital equipment upgrades.
Jira Agency, based on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, will work with Hopevale Arts and Culture Centre connecting Hopevale artists with Indian textile masters to develop exclusive textiles and garments for new local and international markets.
Fund beneficiary Delvene Cockatoo Collins, owner of Minjerribah Art Studio and Cottage on North Stradbroke Island, will receive nearly $60,000 to increase production of her highly sought-after garments, and develop new handprinted collections to take to audiences.
Gold Coast based Magpie Dreaming will receive $54,000 to upskill five emerging First Nations artists in digital art, garment design, pattern making and styling approaches - culminating in a new collection at Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in 2026.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fashion and textiles was a growing industry within Queensland's vibrant arts sector.
"The Crisafulli Government is investing in projects to support talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and designers, and grow a sustainable Indigenous fashion and textile industry in Queensland," Minister Langbroek said.
"We recognise the need for a thriving fashion and textile industry that is ready for the opportunities associated with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will be an economic gamechanger for artists and creative businesses."
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the increased funding would support the Crisafulli Government's efforts to deliver practical outcomes for Indigenous people.
"We want to do everything we can to bolster economic security and workforce participation within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities," Minister Simpson said.
"Helping these businesses to upscale has wide ranging socioeconomic benefits, including greater financial security for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and business owners, more skilled workers, and greater job opportunities."
