• Eight applicants to receive grants from the Aboriginal Business Development and
  Capacity Building grant program
• A total of $238,374 awarded to support regional Aboriginal arts industry
• $30,000 awarded to Geraldton based Yamaji Art (Mara Arts Aboriginal
  Corporation)
• Program aims to improve economic and employment growth in regional
  communities

Eight arts organisations from regional and remote Western Australia will benefit from a total
of $238,374 in funding from the Aboriginal Business Development and Capacity Building
program. The successful applicants are located throughout the State, from Harvey in the
South-West to Warmun in the Kimberley.

The funding forms part of the McGowan Government's Regional Arts and Cultural
Investment Program (RACIP). RACIP is delivering almost $20 million over four years to
regional WA to create economic development, tourism opportunities and social cohesion by
supporting the arts and culture industry's contribution to the liveability and vibrancy of
communities.

The Aboriginal Business Development and Capacity Building program offers grants of up to
$30,000 and aims to provide business development support for planning and skill
development in the regional Aboriginal arts and culture sector.
Funding was available to support costs associated with the development and delivery of
activities such as training and professional development, consultation, publishing, promotion
and research.

Aboriginal Business Development and Capacity Building grant program recipients:

• Harvey Aboriginal Corporation (South-West) - Kaartdijin Yeyi, Moorditj Mila
  (Knowledge Today for a Strong Future) - $30,000;
• Waringarri Arts Aboriginal Corporation (Kimberley) - Products Project - $30,000;
• Shire of East Pilbara (Pilbara) - Martumili Future Planning 2022-2026 - $30,000;
• Northampton Old School Community Initiative Inc (Mid-West) - Ku'arlu Mangga
  Good Nest Gallery Cultural Tourism Strategy and Succession Plan - $30,000;
• Warmun Art Aboriginal Corporation (Kimberley) - Warmun Art Centre: Business
  Enhancement Project - $29,260;
• Mara Arts Aboriginal Corporation (Mid-West) - "What's ya policy on that?": Moving
  forward with confidence - $30,000;
• Camera Story Ltd (Kimberley) - Connect, Link, Grow - $29,964; and
• Walkatjurra Cultural Centre (Goldfields-Esperance) - Strategic Business and Capacity Building - $29,150

For more information visit: https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/funding/arts-funding/aboriginalbusiness-development-and-capacity-building-grant-program.

Comments attributed to Lara Dalton, Member for Geraldton:
“This is a great investment in the Mid West and shows our government’s commitment to
building capacity in the Aboriginal arts industry.

“I congratulate all successful organisations across the state and wish everyone well at the
upcoming Revealed exhibition and markets in May.”

Comments attributed to Roni Kerley, Manager of Yamaji Art:

“Yamaji Art are pleased to be the recipient of this grant, as we will be able to review all our
current policy and procedures, and community protocol processes.

"This support will ensure we remain compliant with industry standards and best practices
within the National Aboriginal visual arts sector as we continue to build and support
Aboriginal artists in the Mid West.”

Image caption: Lara Dalton MLA, Member for Geraldton with Yamaji Arts Manager Roni Kerley.