Indigenous Languages Support (ILS)
New 2013-14 Indigenous Languages Support funding - digital and multi-media activities - Funding now open for applications
Read Arts Minister Tony Burke's media release.
The announcement of $11.98 million over four years for Indigenous Languages Support under the National Cultural Policy, Creative Australia, will provide additional funding to support the development of community driven and culturally appropriate digital and multi-media resources as a tool for the maintenance, revival and development of traditional languages. In 2013-14 there is $3 million available.
The development of additional resources would allow communities to form new partnerships with schools, cultural organisations and libraries to support learning across a range of media to ensure the continued use and long-term survival of traditional languages.
Eligibility for funding is outlined in the Funding for Indigenous Culture, Languages and Visual Arts 2013-14 Guidelines (PDF 7 MB).
Information for applicants seeking funding to support the development of digital and multi-media resources (PDF 118KB) (RTF 183 KB) provides further information and additional criteria applicable to this funding.
Applications are open from 16 May 2013 until 6.00pm, Thursday 30 May 2013 (AEST).
Funding will be made available through an Expression of Interest and by direct offer to eligible organisations currently funded by the Office for the Arts. Applicants will be required to submit an application (maximum two pages) outlining the activity, budget and contact details and applications should be emailed to indigenouslanguages@pmc.gov.au.
Further information is available by phoning 1800 006 992.
About Indigenous Languages Support (ILS)
The Australian Government recognises the importance of Australia's Indigenous languages and is committed to addressing the serious problem of language loss. Indigenous Languages Support provides funding support for the maintenance, transmission and revival of Indigenous languages. Indigenous Languages Support aims to address the erosion and loss of Australia's estimated 250 Indigenous languages.
Across Australia, a wide range of activities are funded by the Australian Government to maintain and revive Australian Indigenous languages. This includes community run language centres and programs, research projects, language database development, through to innovative projects using multimedia and new technologies.
The Indigenous Languages Support objectives are to:
- support the maintenance revival, and development of Indigenous languages
- increase the use of Indigenous languages in a range of fields and media
- support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' engagement with their languages
- promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing by strengthening pride in identity and culture through languages
- promote public appreciation of Indigenous languages.
In August 2009, the Australian Government announced its National Indigenous Languages Policy to coordinate action among the agencies involved in the maintenance and revival of Indigenous languages, including government, Indigenous languages organisations and educational and research institutions. The Policy recognises the central role of Indigenous Languages Support (formerly the Maintenance of Indigenous Languages and Records program), which underpins the Policy.
For information about the Policy and its objectives go to the National Indigenous Languages Policy page.
Find out about how Indigenous Languages Support continues to support communities in the revival and maintenance of Indigenous languages here.