Australia Council for the Arts appoints first Indigenous Deputy Chair

The Australia Council for the Arts recently appointed Lee-Ann Buckskin as the first Indigenous Deputy Chair of the federal arts funding and advisory body.

“I am very pleased to be advised of the reappointment of Lee-Ann Buckskin as the new Deputy Chair until 30 June 2019,” said Australia Council Chair Rupert Myer AO in his announcement. “I am particularly delighted to note that Buckskin is the first Indigenous Deputy Chair in the history of the Australia Council. She is currently a member of the Board’s Strategy Committee and was formerly the Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Board.”

Along with Buckskin’s elevation, the Council announced four new board members – Sam Walsh, Kate Fielding, Zoe McKenzie and Leigh Carmichael.

As Australia’s premier Indigenous training college, NAISDA has released statements commending the Council for its historic appointment of Buckskin.

Kim Walker, the chief executive officer of NAISDA, stated, “It is fantastic to see the appointment of the first Indigenous Deputy Chair to Australia Council. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industry continues to enjoy significant growth and development. It is only fitting that Indigenous arts interests are adequately represented at a federal level.”

“It is integral that aspiring Indigenous artists, such as NAISDA’s Developing Artists, are given opportunities to thrive and expand within the performing arts industry, while also helping to preserve Australian Indigenous culture through artistic mediums such as dance,” continued Walker.

As a leading Indigenous arts organisation, NAISDA itself has played a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. This year marks NAISDA’s 40th anniversary and the college will be celebrating with a special Circle of Cultures season, to be held at Carriageworks in Redfern, Sydney from November 15-24.

Sean Gordon, the chair of NAISDA Dance College, said, “NAISDA’s history has been one of making connections between traditional and contemporary arts practice and communities. Circle of Cultures is a celebration and a demonstration of bringing those together.”

For more information on NAISDA’s upcoming Circle of Cultures season, visit www.carriageworks.com.au or www.naisda.com.au. To read the full announcement of the board appointments from the Australia Council, click here.

Photo: Lee-Ann Buckskin. Photo courtesy of the Australia Council for the Arts.