Boosting Canberra’s Indigenous Arts Connections
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in Canberra are benefiting from funding support through two key ACT Government initiatives, following the announcement of successful applicants for the 2025 Canberra Pōneke Indigenous Artist Exchange and the 2024–25 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts Program.
These programs provide opportunities for local artists to engage in international cultural exchange and to develop self-determined creative projects that reflect and strengthen Canberra’s unique cultural identity.
Canberra-based artist Alinta Barlow has been selected to participate in the 2025 Canberra Pōneke Indigenous Artist Exchange, a four-week international residency in Wellington (Pōneke), New Zealand. Alinta, an early-career Ngunnawal artist and educator working across music and visual arts, is a member of the Winanggaay Ngunnawal Language Group and is known for her work reviving Ngunnawal language through creative expression.
During the exchange, Alinta will engage with Māori artists, cultural institutions, and the wider arts community. She will be hosted by Te Whare Hēra, an artist and community program established by Wellington City Council and Massey University. The exchange provides an opportunity for research and development, cultural exchange, and international networking.
As part of the exchange program, Canberra will welcome Jamie Berry from Pōneke, a Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi, and Ngāti Ruanui multidisciplinary artist. She will travel to Canberra to undertake a residency with a local arts organisation in November this year. Jamie will be supported with access to studio space, facilities, and community engagement opportunities tailored to their artform.
In addition, seven Indigenous artists have been awarded almost $100,000 in funding through the 2024–25 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts Program. The successful applicants include:
Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries Michael Pettersson says both programs provide opportunities for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to grow their work.
“These two initiatives are a powerful demonstration of how we can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to grow their practice, connect with community, and share culture both locally and internationally,” Minster Pettersson said.
“I congratulate Alinta as well as all the recipients of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts Program. Their work enriches our community and strengthens our city’s culture.
“I also look forward to welcoming Pōneke artist Jamie Berry to Canberra later this year as part of this important cultural exchange.”
https://www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/open_government/inform/act_government_media_releases/michael-pettersson-mla-media-releases/2025/strengthening-cultural-ties-for-canberras-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-artists