First Nations Creatives Receive Inaugural Flourish Fund Grants

WBC

The very first recipients of the Australia Council’s inaugural Flourish Fund have just been announced. The Flourish Fund is a grant created as an opportunity for First Nations individuals, organisations, groups or businesses operating in the fashion or textiles sector, and has grants from $2,000-$25,000 on offer.

Created to build and encourage sustainable cultural, economic and social development opportunities to those who access it, the grant aims to empower First Nations people and businesses to thrive.

The first round of funding spread $506,110 to 21 First Nations owned and run businesses, as well as designers and community and art organisations around the country. More than half of these recipients received at or near the maximum grant of $25,000 during this round of funding! This money will help recipients create new collections for their brands, invest in training for creatives, run workshops and undertake research in a variety of areas.

Tahnee Edwards, creator/founder of Gammin Threads is excited about the opportunity the grant brings: “This grant will allow me to develop an accessories range to strengthen and diversify Gammin Threads’ product offering. It will help me to broaden my skills and processes in product design and development as well as supporting Gammin Threads’ revenue growth by offering additional pieces and price-points, engaging more diverse audiences, and ensuring everyone can have access to First Nations design.”

Check out some of the incredible recipients of the Flourish Fund and where they will be putting their grant:

Liandra Swim – For the Deep-Sea Collection: Together, Apart Let’s Interact
Darwin Aboriginal Arts Fair Foundation – to conduct research for a digital marketing platform for Indigenous Art Centres’ fashion and textiles
Maria Caldwell – Bundjalung Textile & Design Industry Development for emerging/mid-career creatives
Jarin Street – Support for manufacturing/supply chain and digital marketing support
Gammin Threads – creation of Gammin Threads accessories range
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council – Yarrabah Fashion Style 2023.

These are only a few of the deserving recipients of the first Flourish Fund. To see a full list of recipients and more information about the fund, check out the Australia Council of the Arts website.

By Sarah Panther

Header image courtesy of Gammin Threads.