Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts should receive a significant boost with Creative Australia's establishment of a new First Nations Board, featuring 10 members, including Dennis Stokes, the chief executive of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.

The new board, which also includes Deborah Mailman AM, and co-chairs Rachael Maza AM and Philip Watkins, is part of the federal government's Revive policy, which aims to elevate First Nations arts and culture nationally and internationally.

The Board, which forms part of 'First Nations Arts' within Creative Australia, aims to provide leadership to support and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts. Its mandate includes enhancing sustainable career pathways for First Nations artists, increasing audience opportunities, and expanding the reach of significant First Nations works. The First Nations Arts body will receive funding over the next four years, starting from 2024-25.

Mr Stokes, a proud member of the Wardamann, Luritja, and Warramunga peoples of the Northern Territory and the Wagadagam people of the Torres Strait, brings extensive experience and passion to his role on the Board.

He joined CIAF as its inaugural chief executive in April and will lead the organisation into a new era following its 15th anniversary event in July.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said that ensuring broad representation and deep expertise in First Nations arts informed the makeup of the Board.

"Empowering First Nations artists to lead their own cultural expression is essential for building resilient communities. By investing in First Nations leadership in the arts, we foster authentic storytelling and pathways for future generations," she said.

"This Board is committed to championing First Nations artists and amplifying their voices. By supporting these artists, we ensure that First Nations stories continue to thrive and inspire, enriching our national identity."

Federal Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said the diverse range of perspectives on the Board will give First Nations people greater artistic autonomy.

"This Board will ensure that the decisions and investments to support First Nations arts are guided by First Nations people, protocols and principles," he said.

"It will amplify the voices of First Nations people and support self-determination in the telling of their stories. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will enable them to make pivotal contributions to supporting and empowering First Nations artists and arts workers."

The First Nations Board appointees are: Mr Stokes (Member); Ms Maza AM (Co-chair); Mr Watkins (Co-chair); Ms Mailman AM (Member); Clint Bracknell (Member); Pauline Clague (Member); Jeanette James (Member); Daniel Riley (Member); Rhoda Roberts AO (Member); and Jared Thomas (Member).

The new appointments will come into effect on 9 September 2024 and are each for a term of four years.

More to come.