Cultural Connection
First Peoples First Commitment Statement
Artists for Kids Culture (AKC) is committed to embedding a First Peoples First approach across governance, programming, partnerships, and community engagement. We recognise and respect the sovereignty, cultures, and histories of Victoria’s First Peoples and their ongoing custodianship of Country.
This commitment is actioned through:
- Governance and Leadership: Maintaining First Peoples representation on our Board and Advisory structures, currently through Boonwurrung woman Caroline Martin, and ensuring cultural protocols are central to decision-making.
- Program Delivery: Programs begin with a First Peoples artist-led component, ensuring cultural grounding and respect for Country. We will continue to prioritise the inclusion of First Peoples artists in the design and delivery of creative programs across artsbus, Y(Our)Fest, Sub26, and mural projects, aiming to increase First Peoples artist involvement year-on-year through active recruitment, partnerships, and consultation.
- Kids Grants Program: Setting a target of 25% of AKC grants allocated to First Peoples children and young people each year, ensuring equitable access to creative opportunities.
- Capacity Building: Providing cultural competency training for 100% of staff, Board, and volunteers every two years and embedding cultural safety in all risk management and program design frameworks.
- Partnership and Consultation: Actively working with Victorian Traditional Owner groups, Elders, and First Peoples creatives to co-design projects, exhibitions, and festivals that reflect community priorities.
Through these measures, AKC ensures our work not only reflects cultural respect and equity but actively strengthens First Peoples’ visibility, leadership, and participation in Victoria’s creative industries.
https://creative.vic.gov.au/first-peoples/first-peoples-first
