Backing Indigenous Arts - Performing Arts
The Queensland Government’s Backing Indigenous Arts (BIA) initiative, launched in 2007, aims to build sustainable and ethical Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industries.
BIA – Performing Arts (BIAPA) supports the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing artists and companies.
This includes the creation and presentation of new performance work in Indigenous communities in Far North Queensland, and at Bulmba-ja in Cairns (formerly Centre of Contemporary Arts Cairns).
Bulmba-ja (formerly CoCA Cairns) Call Out program
The Queensland Government is considering proposals for new contemporary Indigenous performing arts initiatives to be developed and presented at Bulmba-ja through BIAPA.
Funding streams
BIAPA provided three funding streams, which are currently closed for applications.
New Commissions
Funds of up to $150,000 per applicant (matched by the applicant) – to support the commissioning of new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performance work that engages new audiences and showcases the unique stories of Queensland’s First Nation peoples.
Producer Placements
Funding of up to $35,000 per applicant (matched by the applicant) – to encourage sustainable ongoing employment and increase career opportunities for Indigenous arts workers and grow the number of Indigenous producers working in Queensland’s performing arts industry.
Next Stage
Funds of up to $150,000 over two years per applicant – to build business and artistic capacity within the Indigenous performing arts sector in Far North Queensland, new audiences for Indigenous performing arts product including regular programming of new performance work at the CoCA, and enhanced engagement within Far North Queensland Indigenous communities.
Data dictionaries
Data dictionaries provide definitions of measures, calculation methods and counting rules for reporting.
SmartyGrants
Online submission through SmartyGrants is Arts Queensland's preferred method for receiving application forms and outcome reports for our funding programs.
More information
- Read the guidelines, frequently asked questions, important information for applicants, and terms of funding.
- View case studies of previous funding recipients.