Preservation and sustainability of Aboriginal culture through the Arts
A not-for-profit organisation established to work with Aboriginal Artists and their communities to ensure that their culture and history is maintained through their art form. We will continue to develop opportunities to support them individually and their communities through all forms of art, including painting, sculpture, dance and music to provide revenue streams and ongoing recognition for Aboriginal Artists.
The AADF’s objectives are to:
- maintain Aboriginal cultural heritage through the Arts
- preserve traditional Aboriginal art and its history
- foster sustainable culture through youth development and mentoring
- develop and maintain sustainable revenue streams for Aboriginal artists and their families
- protect the integrity, ethics and cultural authenticity of the artwork and the industry that maintains it on behalf of the artists
- provide a greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture through Education and Community Engagement Programs, Workshops, Events and Activities
- advocate to the relevant authorities including all levels of government to ensure the highest level of respect, recognition, support and funding is provided to Aboriginal artists and their communities to ensure Australia’s own cultural heritage is preserved and fostered for a sustainable future
Some of the methods that are being utilised to achieve these objectives are through the development of programs that can target specific outcomes. Some of the current projects we are working on include the management of the 2012 Melbourne Didgeridoo and Cultural Festival, the Aboriginal Smart Arts Program, ongoing artist development programs and our education program which has already reached over 40,000 students that have visited Mia Mia and experienced Aboriginal culture first hand. Please contact us for more details of these programs and the other work we are doing to achieve our objectives.
We would like to pay respect to and acknowledge the Wirrundjeri people as the Traditional Owners of the land our office is situated on. We would also like to pay our respects to the Elders past and present across all of Australia where we extend our reach in the work that we do. We appreciate the involvement and support of Aunty Doreen Garvey-Wandin, Wurundjeri-Wandoon Senior Elder who sits on our Committee in recognition of the work we are doing and supporting our objectives.
