News & Opinion

NAVA News 2 2024

This month's news: Ongoing advocacy for the recognition of art as work; NSW Professional Development Program: Update and Upcoming;and more.

NSW Professional Development Program: Update and Upcoming

With funding from Create NSW, NAVA is currently delivering a series of workshops, talks and new access tools focused on boosting awareness and application of the Code.

NAVA News 1 2024

This month's news: Visual arts sector advocates for award coverage; New Code of Practice Accessible Infographics; and more.

Visual arts sector advocates for award coverage

Visual artists and arts workers raised concerns of inadequate award coverage and low wages with the Fair Work Commission as part of the Modern Awards Review.

NAVA in 2023: A Year of Advocacy

NAVA reflects on a year marked by significant milestones.

Alarm as Griffith University Art Museum faces closure

Media Release

Alarm as Griffith University Art Museum faces closure

Media Release

Vipoo Srivilasa awarded the 2023 Carstairs Grant

Media Release

Vipoo Srivilasa awarded the 2023 Carstairs Grant

Media Release

NAVA News 10 2023

This month's news: Modern Awards Review discussion paper; Centrelink Win; COVID-19 response inquiry; and more.

Modern Awards Review: Discussion paper open for consultation

The Modern Awards Review 2023-2024 represents a pivotal opportunity for the visual arts to secure pay and improved working conditions.

Advocating to Recognise Art as Work: Centrelink Win

After years of lobbying, NAVA Members secure the recognition of professional arts activity undertaken to meet Centrelink’s mutual obligation requirements.

COVID-19 Response: Impact on the visual arts and hopes for the Inquiry

NAVA will be making a submission to the inquiry into the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and encourages you to add your voice.

Letter to Fair Work Commission for Arts Awards Review

Following meetings with NAVA and the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) have sent a letter to Fair Work Commission President, Justice Hatcher. The letter makes recommendations for the arts and culture discussion paper due to be released on 6 November 2023, as part of the recently announced Modern Awards Review.

Stop the genocide in Gaza

An open letter from artists in Australia calling for an immediate stop to the genocide in Gaza. Addressed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, this letter represents a diverse cohort of more than 1,000 signatories and was first published in Overland.

NAVA News 9 2023

This month's news: Modern Award Review; Strengthening data on the arts; Risk aversion impacting artists' insurance; Ellen Ferrier receives 2023 Windmill Trust Scholarship; NAVA Artist File: Nicole Foreshare; and more.

Modern Award Review: Opportunity to mandate pay and working conditions

The Modern Award Review was announced on 15 September 2023 and presents a significant opportunity to legislate pay for artists and arts workers. 

Strengthening data on the arts

The importance of accurate data cannot be overstated, as it plays a pivotal role in shaping policies at all levels of government, regardless of political affiliation.

Show your support for industry good practice

Join NAVA or donate to guarantee NAVA's future.

Another insurance win for NAVA Members

Policy backflip for Members working at heights.

NAVA News 8 2023

This month's news: Insurance Update; August Advocacy Recap; NAVA Board Statement on the Voice; Equity in Arts Opportunities; NAVA events; and more.

NAVA Members’ Insurance Update

Changes are being made for arts workers and artists who work at heights.

Statement from the NAVA Board on the Voice

In the lead-up to the referendum, the NAVA Board encourages Members, subscribers and friends to approach your decision with respect, empathy, and a commitment to making an informed choice that reflects your values and concerns. 

August Advocacy Recap

An update on key issues NAVA is working on for Members, including legislating an Award, recommendations for superannuation and tax reform, ABS data collection, and impacts of AI on copyright.

Equity in Arts Opportunities

To address inequities within the sector – such as gender, race and access – it is necessary to implement practical steps to support equitable application and selection processes. 

$10,000 Carstairs Grant open for applications

Media Release

$10,000 Carstairs Grant open for applications

Media Release

NAVA News 7 2023

This month's news: AI risks and benefits; COUNTESS: Spoiling Illusions Since 2008; NAVA Artist File: Samuel Luke; Structural transformation to support gender equity; Open Consultations; and more.

AI risks and benefits for contemporary arts practice

NAVA survey shows concern over the impacts of AI on copyright and employment prospects.

CoUNTess: Spoiling Illusions Since 2008

An excerpt from CoUNTess: Spoiling Illusions since 2008 by Melinda Rackham and Elvis Richardson.

Structural transformation to support gender equity in the arts

Institutions must take on a proactive role to address challenges around how women and gender diverse people are represented and how their work is presented, collected and valued.

NAVA seeks feedback on the use and impact of AI on artists’ practices

NAVA is conducting a survey in partnership with Arts Law and ASA on the use and impact of Artificial Intelligence on artists’ practices to help inform our contribution to discussions on proposed copyright changes.

NAVA News 6 2023

This month's news: For Our Elders #NAIDOC2023; Update to Payment Standards; AI and copyright survey; NAVA challenges ABC cuts; and more.

Update to Payment Standards in NAVA Code of Practice

Increases apply to the National Minimum Wage, superannuation, and Award minimum wages and allowances to reflect the national minimum wage increase.

For Our Elders #NAIDOC2023

Join NAVA in celebrating NAIDOC Week 2 – 9 July 2023 and the significant contributions and leadership of First Nations visual artists and storytellers.

Have leftover organisation budget? Join NAVA this EOFY

By donating or joining NAVA, you will directly contribute to our work for a vital, sustainable and equitable arts sector. 

NAVA News 5 2023

This month's news: New local government toolkit; We're hiring; NAVA welcomes Board Director Ryan Presley; RAP Progress Report Jan-Apr; Guide to socially-engaged arts projects; and more.

Building Community: Guide to socially-engaged arts projects

Key to delivering beautiful and powerful community engaged projects are the recommended processes of relationship building explored in NAVA’s Code of Practice.

Reconciliation Action Plan Progress Report Jan-Apr 2023

An update on NAVA’s progress against our eight RAP commitments for January, February, March and April 2023.

National Reconciliation Week 2023

Image: Savi Ross (African American, Torres Strait Islander), Women Now, 2021, digital illustration.

NAVA Chair welcomes new Board Director Ryan Presley

Media release

Put your vision for arts into action

Join NAVA for a vital, sustainable and ethical arts sector.

NAVA 2023-24 Federal Budget response

NAVA welcomes the Budget allocations for the arts including $286m to support the delivery of Revive and the $535.3m funding boost to National Collecting Institutions.

NAVA Insurance Member Update

New premiums for use of kilns and open flames.

Supporting Racial Equity in the Arts

The new Racial Equity and Representation section in the Code of Practice demonstrates different ways in which issues of racial equity might be present, and the responsibilities of organisations and artists in addressing them.

NAVA News 4 2023

This month's news: May Day 2023; Insurance policy backflip: NAVA wins and next steps; Supporting Racial Equity in the Arts; and more.

Insurance policy backflip: NAVA wins and next steps

While the insurance win for NAVA Members is a great result, there is still more work to do to stay ahead of the shifting insurance landscape.

Insurance win for NAVA Members!

Changes to NAVA insurance with QBE Insurance and Local Community Insurance Services (LCIS) have been reversed.

Hardening insurance market pricing out artists and arts workers

It is crucial that policymakers and insurance providers take necessary steps to ensure insurance is widely available and accessible to all.

An important message regarding changes to NAVA insurance

Changes are being made to NAVA’s Premium Plus insurance policy we hold with Local Community Insurance Services (LCIS) and QBE Insurance.

NAVA News 3 2023

This month's news: NAVA launches its Reconciliation Action Plan and Strategic Action Plan; Access Rights in the arts; Call for NAVA Board Nominations; and more.

NAVA launches its Reconciliation Action Plan 2023-2024

Media release

NAVA launches its Reconciliation Action Plan 2023-2024

Media release

NAVA Strategic Action Plan 2023-2025

NAVA shares its key aims and objectives for the next three years.

Access Rights in the arts: A shared responsibility

Open and ongoing conversations about access is an important part of building and maintaining positive relationships between organisations, artists and audiences.

NAVA commits to paying artists on its board of directors

Media release

Let’s ensure government policy is informed by artists’ perspectives

This month, a lot of our attention has been on responding to inquiries and consultations which have impact on the lives and livelihoods of artists, arts workers and organisations. 

NAVA Members add your voice

NAVA will be submitting responses to these upcoming inquiries and consultations and encourages you to add your voice to help ensure that policy and investment is well informed and effective in supporting visual artists, arts workers and organisations.

NAVA Code of Practice: An ethical framework for working with First Nations artists and communities

The newly-added First Nations section in NAVA’s revised Code of Practice offers a critical ethical framework for implementing industry good practice.

NAVA News 1 2023

This month's news: Revive National Cultural Policy launched; Art is a Real Job; An ethical framework for working with First Nations artists; Royalty income for artists in Australia; and more.

Royalty income for artists in Australia

Find out how to register your artwork to collect potential royalty payments.

Revive: National Cultural Policy – a Visual Arts Perspective

Media release

Revive: National Cultural Policy – a Visual Arts Perspective

Media release

Invasion Day/Survival Day Statement of Solidarity

The NAVA team will be joining and supporting nationwide events, protests and fundraisers for Invasion Day/Survival Day. We call on members of our community to stand with First Nations peoples on the right side of history by listening, showing up and paying the rent. 

Recognise Artists as Workers

Sign the open letter for a legislated Visual Arts Award to be included in the new National Cultural Policy.

NAVA News 9 2022

This month's news: Federal Budget: Much more to be done for the arts; An Award for Artists: Send a message to your Arts Ministers; Outsourcing development of generic curriculum planning will disempower teachers; Juanita McLauchlan receives 2022 Windmill Scholarship; and more.

An Award for Artists: Send a message to your Arts Ministers

With the National Cultural Policy launching before the end of this year, it is time to amplify our voices. Contact your political representatives to let them know why decent fees and wages matter to you.

Federal Budget 2022-2023: Much more to be done for the arts

NAVA’s analysis of the October 2022-2023 Federal Budget.

Federal Budget 2022-2023: Much more to be done for the arts

NAVA’s analysis of the October 2022-2023 Federal Budget.

You Can’t Sit With Us! Visual arts omitted from support initiatives

Media Release

NAVA News 8 2022

This month's news: NAVA launches New Code of Practice for Visual Arts, Craft and Design; mandated payment standards necessary to sustain visual artists as workers; EOIs open for Visual Arts Educators to join Community of Practice; and $10,000 Carstairs Grant open for applications.

NAVA launches New Code of Practice for Visual Arts, Craft and Design

Following extensive collaboration across the sector, NAVA today soft-launches the new Code of Practice for Visual Arts, Craft and Design.

NAVA launches New Code of Practice for Visual Arts, Craft and Design

Following extensive collaboration across the sector, NAVA today soft-launches the new Code of Practice for Visual Arts, Craft and Design.

$10,000 Carstairs Grant open for applications

Media release

$10,000 Carstairs Grant open for applications

Media release

EOIs open for Visual Arts Educators to join Community of Practice

NAVA welcomes Educators to a Community of Practice for strengthening secondary Visual Arts teaching and learning with industry best practice.

NAVA News 7 2022

This month's news: Why and how to add your voice to National Cultural Policy; Govt report confirms Fake Indigenous Art Harms Culture but fails to ban them; and more.

NAVA's new Code of Practice... almost there

A final progress update on NAVA's revision of the Code of Practice.

Govt report confirms Fake Indigenous Art Harms Culture but fails to ban it

Photo by Jamie James, 2017

NAVA News 6 2022

This month's news: Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! #NAIDOC2022; Visual Arts Work survey; New points-based system for jobseekers compromises artists’ work; and more.

Visual Arts Work survey: Help us improve working conditions

Calling all visual artists, craft practitioners & arts workers! We need your help. Tell us about your practice and career in our short 10 minute survey, writes Marnie Badham.

Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! #NAIDOC2022

Join NAVA in supporting and engaging with your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country, making a donation, and buying First Nations arts.

Our work is possible because of you

Join our vision for the future of the contemporary arts sector by renewing your Membership or becoming a NAVA Member today. 

NAVA News 5 2022

This month's news: NAVA welcomes new Government; National Reconciliation Week; Instituting Care; Recently elected Board Members from four states; and more

Instituting Care

A reflection on Precarious Movements: Precarity and Practices of Care for Dance and the Museum, a conference organised by the Precarious Movements research team.

NAVA welcomes elected Board Members from four states

Media Release

(L) Sue-Lyn Aldrian Moyle, photo by Bohdan Warchomij; (R) Michelle Vine, photo by Heather Faulker.

NAVA welcomes elected Board Members from four states

Media Release

(L) Sue-Lyn Aldrian Moyle, photo by Bohdan Warchomij; (R) Michelle Vine, photo by Heather Faulker.

National Reconciliation Week

Image: Dylan Mooney, Blak Superheroes Series, digital illustration, 2021.

NAVA welcomes new Government and Arts Minister

Media Release

NAVA welcomes new Government and Arts Minister

Media Release

Federal Election Report Card 2022

Australia votes on 21 May 2022. What arts and culture vision do the Liberal-National Coalition, Labor and The Greens offer?

NAVA News 4 2022

This month's news: Why arts policy is essential; #VoteForArt Campaign Update; Code drafting underway, EOIs open for Writers; Visual Arts Work Survey; and more.

Why arts policy is essential

A strategic vision for arts and culture across the three tiers of government could stimulate long-term sustainability for arts and culture by working toward a set target. 

#VoteForArt Campaign Update

NAVA is busy meeting with candidates, speaking to media, appearing on panel discussions, and speaking to artists, arts workers and audiences to promote our #VoteForArt campaign and put arts and culture back on the political agenda.

Code of Practice drafting underway, plus opportunities for writers

Progress update, overview of recent consultations, and upcoming opportunities to contribute to the Code revision.

EOIs open for Code of Practice Writers

The National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) is seeking writers to contribute to the major revision of its Code of Practice.

NAVA News 3 2022

This month's news: #VoteForArt: Federal Election Campaign 2022; NAVA responds to the Federal Budget; Environmental Sustainability Consultation; NAVA seeks Board nominations; Notice of Annual General Meeting; and more.

Code of Practice Environmental Sustainability Consultation

Graphic by Sarah Firth.

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Notice of NAVA's Annual General Meeting, 3pm AEST Thursday 26 May 2022.

NAVA seeks nominations for elected positions on its Board of Directors

Nominations close on 27 April 2022. 

Flood emergency for visual arts

Information on financial and mental health support, NAVA’s emergency response, recovery resources, and how you can help flood affected artists and arts workers.

#BreakTheBias

International Women's Day, held on 8 March each year, is a valuable call to action for accelerating gender equity and safety in the visual arts and craft sector. Let’s take a look at recent projects that are critically engaging with gender equity in the sector.

NAVA News 2 2022

This month's NAVA News: Flood emergency for visual arts; #BreakTheBias; Code of Practice consultations; and more.

Code of Practice Revision: Consultations

A progress update on NAVA's revision of the Code of Practice and opportunities to get involved.

Strength from NAVA through this extreme flood emergency

As severe weather warnings continue this week, please know that NAVA Members from all across Australia are standing right beside you.

NAVA News 1 2022

This month's news: Omicron Struggle for Visual Arts; Proposed changes to Copyright Act pose threat to artists’ rights; Code of Practice update; and more.

Proposed changes to copyright laws pose threat to artists’ rights

NAVA concerned draft legislation may lead to increased instances of copyright infringement.

Omicron Struggle for Visual Arts - Pulse Survey data

Recent research by NAVA reinforces need for crisis funding for independent visual artists, a federally-backed insurance scheme and a new artwork fund.

Omicron Struggle for Visual Arts - Pulse Survey data

Recent research by NAVA reinforces need for crisis funding for independent visual artists, a federally-backed insurance scheme and a new artwork fund.

Code of Practice Revision: Accomplishments and Next Steps

A progress update on NAVA's revision of the Code of Practice, plus upcoming opportunities to get involved in the drafting process.

NAVA Invasion Day Solidarity Statement 2022

Image: Charlotte Allingham, Always was, Always will be Aboriginal land, A5 digital illustration, January 2018.

NAVA raises alarm over changes to Australian Research Council

Media release

NAVA raises alarm over changes to Australian Research Council

Media release

Farewell Mimi Crowe

NAVA’s Co-Director, Mimi Crowe, has announced her resignation from NAVA. Her last day is 23 December 2021. 

We're hiring an Education Coordinator and First Nations Engagement Manager

We’re looking for two self-motivated people to join the NAVA team.

NAVA News 12 2021

This month's news: NAVA receives Australia Council funding for Code education program; Farewell Mimi Crowe; We're hiring; and more.

Have your say: Code of Practice Discussion Papers

NAVA is seeking feedback on best practices for Commercial Galleries and Representation, Festivals, Hiring Space, Temporary Public Art, Touring, Funding, and Commissioning New Work.

International Day Of People With Disability

Join us in celebrating by attending a range of events and activities or by accessing the following resources on accessibility and inclusion.

Code of Practice revision - independent arts workers

Illustration by Emily Johnson.

NAVA News 11 2021

This month's news: National insurance scheme key to boosting arts sector confidence; Saluhan awarded the 2021 Carstairs Prize; Code revision - independent arts workers; and more.

A national insurance scheme is key to boosting visual arts sector confidence

NAVA continues to advocate for the creation of a national insurance scheme for visual artists, organisations and touring agencies impacted by exhibition cancellations.

A national insurance scheme is key to boosting visual arts sector confidence

NAVA continues to advocate for the creation of a national insurance scheme for visual artists, organisations and touring agencies impacted by exhibition cancellations.

Saluhan awarded the 2021 Carstairs Prize

Media Release

NAVA News 10 2021

This month's news: ‘It’s our job to take risks’: Artists reflect on the climate crisis; Reopening Resources for Galleries and Museums; and more.

Parliamentary Inquiry Report lays the groundwork for an optimistic future for the arts

Media Release

‘It’s our job to take risks’: Artists reflect on the climate crisis

NAVA asked several Members and visual artists to share their thoughts on making art in the context of a climate emergency.

Reopening Resources for Galleries and Museums

Is your gallery or museum planning to reopen? Access NAVA's free resources for a COVID-safe reopening.

Reopening Resources for Galleries and Museums

Is your gallery or museum planning to reopen? Access NAVA's free resources for a COVID-safe reopening.

NAVA News 9 2021

This month's news: Reading the roadmaps: the visual arts sector prepares; Code Revision September Update; and more.

Reading the roadmaps: the visual arts sector prepares

NAVA is listening to network leaders to better understand industry perspectives and processes as Vic and NSW prepare to reopen.

Code Revision September Update

An overview of discussions held during the Code of Practice Revision Accessibility Focus Group and the Accessibility Open Consultation. 

NAVA strongly encourages visual arts applicants for RISE Funding

Applications for the remaining $40 million in RISE Funding close 24 October 2021 at 23:59 AEDT.

NAVA strongly encourages visual arts applicants for RISE Funding

Applications for the remaining $40 million in RISE Funding close 24 October 2021 at 23:59 AEDT.

2021 Carstairs Prize increases to $10,000

Today NAVA announces the Carstairs Prize has been given a boost from $3,000 to $10,000 to support socially-engaged arts practice.

2021 Carstairs Prize increases to $10,000

Today NAVA announces the Carstairs Prize has been given a boost from $3,000 to $10,000 to support socially-engaged arts practice.

NAVA News 8 2021

This month's news: Update from NAVA's Co-Directors; Local artists call for protection of Afghan artists; and more.

Update from NAVA's Co-Directors

NAVA continues to raise the profile of the impacts of lockdowns and restrictions on the visual arts and craft. 

Update from NAVA's Co-Directors

NAVA continues to raise the profile of the impacts of lockdowns and restrictions on the visual arts and craft. 

Local artists call for protection of Afghan artists

Image: Journalists in Kabul, photo courtesy of Elyas Alavi.

Visual Arts in Australia - Pulse Survey

To best support you and your work, we need data. Please share your experiences of 2021 in this sector pulse survey.

Visual Arts in Australia - Pulse Survey

To best support you and your work, we need data. Please share your experiences of 2021 in this sector pulse survey.

Joint statement and call to action in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan

The statement requests that the Australian Government take immediate humanitarian actions to protect vulnerable Afghan people and their immense contribution to world cultures and heritages.

NAVA again calls for urgent crisis support for the visual arts sector

It’s time for the visual arts and craft sector voices to be heard alongside live performing arts and music.

Visual arts sector urgently requires crisis funding

Urgent measures are needed to ensure hard-hit artists and arts workers have access to vital financial support.

Visual arts sector urgently requires crisis funding

Urgent measures are needed to ensure hard-hit artists and arts workers have access to vital financial support.

Visual arts sector urgently requires crisis funding

Urgent measures are needed to ensure hard-hit artists and arts workers have access to vital financial support.

NAVA News 7 2021

This month's news: NAVA members asked to join national survey; NAVA’s Curriculum Review Submission; Accessing the Code of Practice, and more.

NAVA Members asked to join national survey

Image: ONE & ALL arranged on a smartphone by Ceri Hann.

NAVA Members asked to join national survey

Image: ONE & ALL arranged on a smartphone by Ceri Hann.

COVID-19 Support Package – what we know so far

The government recently announced more support and thankfully sole traders and small businesses received a mention.

COVID-19 Support Package – what we know so far

The government recently announced more support and thankfully sole traders and small businesses received a mention.

NAVA News 6 2021

This month's news: Developing a National Arts, Culture and Creativity Plan; Overview of NAVA’s Curriculum Consultation; updated COVID-19 info; Code Revision update, and more.

Overview of NAVA’s Curriculum Consultation

Michelle and Cherry, NEO-Learning Digital Lab. Photo by Leith Alexander, 2019, courtesy of Big hART.

Developing a National Arts, Culture and Creativity Plan

Kaylene Whiskey, Dolly visits Indulkana, 2020 projected onto the Sydney Opera House’s eastern Bennelong sails as part of Badu Gili: Wonder Women. Photo by Daniel Boud, courtesy Sydney Opera House.

Code Revision June Update

A recap of the second Accessibility Focus Group meeting and four discussion papers for your feedback.

RISE Funding: NAVA info session recording and transcript

Recording and transcript of NAVA's RISE Fund info session by the Office for the Arts.

RISE Funding: NAVA info session recording and transcript

Recording and transcript of NAVA's RISE Fund info session by the Office for the Arts.

Can you spare a few dollars to support our friends in Victoria?

A little amount goes a long way towards building the resilience of our sector.

NAVA News 5 2021

This month's news: New Advocacy Director, new Chair, and new Board Member; Four new Code Revision discussion papers; Australian Curriculum Review, and more.

NAVA announces new Advocacy Director Mimi Crowe and new Chair Clothilde Bullen

Image L-R: Mimi Crowe in front of Kungkarangkalpa‑ Seven Sisters by Pitjantjatjara artist Nyunmiti Burton, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, © the artist | APY Art Centre Collective, photo by Saul Steed; Clothilde Bullen, photo by Jamie James, 2021.

NAVA Chair welcomes new Board Member Bianca Beetson

Bianca Beetson, in front of Dibirdibi Country 2008 by Mirdidingkingathi Juwarrnda (Mrs Gabori), Brisbane City, 2021. Photo by Chloë Callistemon, courtesy of QAGOMA.

Major review of the Australian Curriculum

Image: Chenise CameronUntitled, 2020. Ngarluma Country (Roebourne), WA.

$10,000 Windmill Trust Scholarship for Regional NSW Artists now open for applications

Media Release

Image: Debbie Taylor-Worley, 2021

NAVA responds to the federal budget

Image: Treasurer Josh Frydenberg delivering the 2021-2022 Budget with Scott Morrison and Ken Wyatt in background at Australian Parliament House, Canberra. Screenshot from ABC News 2021.

Tasmania Election 2021 Report Card

Tasmania votes on 1 May 2021, almost a year earlier than expected. What arts and culture vision do the major parties offer?

NAVA News 4 2021

This month's news: "Commonwealth’s approach to the arts” falls short; Code Revision Update; Advocacy Director job closing soon; Notice of AGM; and more.

Fletcher’s “significant re-imagining of the Commonwealth’s approach to the arts” falls short

Image: Minister for the Arts Paul Fletcher, (background) Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty.

Fletcher’s “significant re-imagining of the Commonwealth’s approach to the arts” falls short

Image: Minister for the Arts Paul Fletcher, (background) Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty.

Code Revision Update

Image: Tian Zhang addresses artists and arts workers in conversation at a NAVA roundtable on the Code of Practice, Firstdraft Sydney 2019. Photo by Document Photography.

NAVA News 3 2021

This month's news: New Leadership Model for NAVA; NAVA survey data; We're hiring - Advocacy Director; and more.

Visual arts sector far from recovery, NAVA survey reveals

Illustration by Emily Johnson.

Visual arts sector far from recovery, NAVA survey reveals

Illustration by Emily Johnson.

New Leadership Model for NAVA

NAVA is re-structuring to a Co-Director model of leadership to take the organisation into its next chapter and to align more with the work we do.

NAVA joins criticism of Dark Mofo plan to soak British flag in Indigenous blood for art project

NAVA urges Dark Mofo to release an urgent public statement, reconsider the decision to program Sierra’s artwork and engage rigorous community and cultural consultation for all future commissioned works.

NAVA joins criticism of Dark Mofo plan to soak British flag in Indigenous blood for art project

NAVA urges Dark Mofo to release an urgent public statement, reconsider the decision to program Sierra’s artwork and engage rigorous community and cultural consultation for all future commissioned works.

Western Australia Election 2021 Report Card

Western Australia votes on 13 March 2021. What arts and culture vision do the major parties offer?

NAVA News 2 2021

This month's news: Call on the government to #SupportArt; Code of Practice consultations; Collaborative Mentorship announcement; and more.

Call on the government to #SupportArt through COVID-19

Be heard. Talk to your MP. Together we can make so much more noise. 

Call on the government to #SupportArt through COVID-19

Be heard. Talk to your MP. Together we can make so much more noise. 

Upcoming inquiries and consultations

NAVA will be submitting responses to these upcoming inquiries and consultations and encourages you to add your voice.

Code of Practice Consultations

Newest Insights into Festivals; Hiring Space; Selling & Commercial Galleries as well as an update on NAVA's callout for writers to co-author the new Code.

Unemployment payment changes still well below poverty line

Media release

NAVA defends anti-police sentiments in artwork

Media Release

NAVA News 1 2021

This month's news: NAVA's 2021 priorities; Code of Practice revision 2021 timeline; Have your say on 4 new discussion papers; and more.

Reset, Recreate

What's NAVA doing in 2021? 

Shahmen Suku awarded the 2020 Carstairs Prize

Media Release

NAVA News 11 2020

This month's news: University cuts risk losing Australia's next generation of artists; What NAVA's been up to; Zoom sessions for NSW Aboriginal practitioners; and more.

Code of Practice, advocacy work and Members update

Updates on our Code of Practice work; cuts to arts, craft and design at universities; Inquiry into the arts; Indigenous Visual Arts Action Plan; Copyright Reforms; and important Membership information.

Concern over detrimental cuts to ANU School of Art & Design

Media Release

NAVA strongly opposes damaging cuts to Queensland College of Art

Media Release

NAVA News 10 2020

This month's news: Politicians failing to focus on those hit hardest by COVID-19, What NAVA's been up to this month, Code of Practice consultation, plus latest Industry News, guides and opportunities.

NAVA hears, speaks, participates

This month has focused our attention on hearing what you have to say, and using that information effectively to represent your interests in some important national forums.

Why are politicians failing to focus on who the pandemic has hit the hardest?

It is Australia’s first service-sector recession, and this should be reflected in the focus of our recovery and job creation programs.

Queensland Election 2020 Report Card

Queensland voting closes on Saturday 31 October 2020. What arts and culture vision do the major parties offer?

Code of Practice October Consultation

Illustration by Emily Johnson.

Industry News October 2020

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, October 2020.

ACT Election 2020 Report Card

ACT votes on Saturday 17 October 2020. What arts and culture vision do the major parties offer?

Make your submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry by 22 October

NAVA has prepared a Toolkit with all you need to know to add voice.

Have your say on the Code of Practice discussion papers

You're invited to provide feedback on three discussion papers as part of our major revision of the Code of Practice. 

The arts sector is already suffering. This year's budget just pours salt on the wound

The Coalition has demonstrated its lack of interest in helping a job-rich industry hit hard by COVID-19.

NAVA responds with concern to 2020 budget

Media Release

NAVA News 9 2020

The highly visible advocacy work and increased collegiately across the sector during this pandemic has opened a door to conversation with the Australian Government. It’s now really important that we wedge that door and open it wider. 

Industry News September 2020

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, September 2020.

Protesting arts funding: sensationalist and inaccurate

Claire Bridge and Chelle Destefano, What I Wish I'd Told You, 2020 with Haley Martin, Worimi and Daingatti woman, Too Loud, multi-channel video (video stills)

Welfare rules and regulations are failing artists

While the ATO seems to understand how artists’ incomes fluctuate year by year, Centrelink does not; nor do its guidelines help artists sustain their careers, a situation NAVA is keen to see changed.

Speak up and be counted

NAVA will be submitting responses to these upcoming inquiries and consultations and encourages you to add your voice.

NAVA News 8 2020

In keeping with 2020’s theme of change and expecting the unexpected, the NAVA team has a new profile and a new home – be assured though: we are focused on these turbulent times, the commitments we’ve made and navigating the best outcomes we can for our Members and the sector.

What is NAVA doing in these changing times?

Photo by Sia Duff, taken at NAVA's Best Practice: Commissioning Art in Public Space, ACE Open, Adelaide, June 2019. 

New Australia Council research shows that art is relied upon by millions of Australians

Image: TOY by All the Queens Men. Photo by Ben Vos Productions, courtesy of Australia Council for the Arts.

Industry News August 2020

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, August 2020.

Artists’ Question Time sets national agenda on Arts Day on the Hill

Media Release

Amplify your voice: NAVA Members speak up

NAVA will be submitting a response to the inquiry into the integrity, efficacy and value for money of NSW Government grant programs and encourages you to add your voice.

NAVA congratulates Create NSW multi-year funding recipients

Media Release

Creative approach crucial to economic recovery

Image: Esther Anatolitis presenting at In these critical times. Photo by Daniel Gardeazabal, 2019.

NAVA News 7 2020

A great deal has changed since we developed our current strategic plan three years ago – a great deal of that being this year alone! – which makes now the perfect time to revisit that plan. And we’re going to need your help. 

Amplify your voice

Image: Esther Anatolitis and Minister for the Arts, Paul Fletcher MP at Arts Day on the Hill 2019. Photo by Irene Dowdy.

The Artists’ Benevolent Fund thanks you wholeheartedly

Image: Nadia Hernández, 2020.

Industry News July 2020

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, July 2020.

NAVA News 6 2020

In occupying a public space, we disrupt urban spaces, false histories with or without permission.  

Code of Practice June Consultation

Illustration by Emily Johnson.

Public Memory: The role and curation of commemorative monuments and public art

Image: Luke Currie-Richardson. Photo by Jamie Morris.

If everyone donates just $3 we'll hit our matched funding target!

Illustration by Emily Johnson.

Industry News June 2020

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, June 2020.

Fact-checking the role of arts and culture in economic recovery

Image: Make or Break, Influence Operation (Campbelltown), 2019, curtains, LED tickers programmed with custom bots, office space, monitors, twitter feed, fortnightly ‘news hack’ sessions. Installation view at Campbelltown Arts Centre, 2019. Photo by Document Photography.

Prime Minister, this is your moment to create Australia’s future

Media Release

NAVA News 5 2020

A strange set of divisions mar the way Australians relate to what we value most – and the more we look into it, the less sense those divisions make. 

More than enough: Balancing art and motherhood

Aseel Tayah is a mother, an artist and an activist. In this article, Aseel discusses the challenges of balancing all of these roles before and during social isolation.

Finding a new equilibrium in an increasingly precarious world

Image: Kay Abude, WORK WORTH DOING, Castlemaine State Festival 2019, hand silkscreen on linen, dimensions variable. Project supported by a 2018 Arts Vic Grant from Creative Victoria, LaTrobe Art Institute, Shedshaker Brewery and Taproom and The Mill Castlemaine. Photo by Kay Abude. 

Finding a new equilibrium in an increasingly precarious world

Image: Kay Abude, WORK WORTH DOING, Castlemaine State Festival 2019, hand silkscreen on linen, dimensions variable. Project supported by a 2018 Arts Vic Grant from Creative Victoria, LaTrobe Art Institute, Shedshaker Brewery and Taproom and The Mill Castlemaine. Photo by Kay Abude. 

Industry News May 2020

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, May 2020.

COVID-19 Action: What have we achieved so far?

Image: Artists in conversation at a NAVA roundtable. Photo by Document Photography, 2019.

COVID-19 Action: What have we achieved so far?

Image: Artists in conversation at a NAVA roundtable. Photo by Document Photography, 2019.

NAVA News 4 2020

If art creates the future, and politics is the art of the possible, then politicians have the fundamental duty to create Australia’s future. In this issue, we explore the opportunities we have to focus our voices on what comes next as we reset Australia – beyond any ‘new normal’ and towards a truly better place.

#CreateAustraliasFuture

Image: Giselle Stanborough, Cinopticon, Carriageworks. Photo by Mark Pokorny 2020.

Notice of Annual General Meeting 2020

Notice of NAVA's Annual General Meeting, 2-3pm AEST Tuesday 26 May 2020.

'If our government wants cultural life to return, it must act now': an open letter from Australia's arts industry

Over 130 arts groups call on minister Paul Fletcher for urgent action over coronavirus hit to industry.

'If our government wants cultural life to return, it must act now': an open letter from Australia's arts industry

Over 130 arts groups call on minister Paul Fletcher for urgent action over coronavirus hit to industry.

Industry News April 2020

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, April 2020. 

It’s ghostlights, not spotlights, for the industry hardest hit by COVID19

Image: Dean Cross, I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY, 2020. Installation view, Firstdraft. Photo by Zan Wimberley

SA Government donates $50,000 to Artists’ Benevolent Fund

Media Release

NAVA News 3, 2020

With the urgency of the world’s focus on protecting our lives at a scale we have never known, it can be difficult to put creative practice in perspective. This issue discusses the grounding role of art in world building futurisms.

Art creates the future

Image: Luke John Matthew Arnold, Don't Cancel Creativity, 2020. Digital illustration.

Creative industry unites to secure Australia’s cultural life

Media Release

Creative industry letter to the Prime Minister, ministers and lord mayors on COVID-19 action

Image: Glenn Sloggett, Lose, 2019. Photo by J Forsyth.

Industry News March 2020

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, March 2020. 

Second COVID-19 stimulus: what does it mean for the arts?

The Australian Government's second COVID-19 stimulus was announced on Sunday morning 22 March. What does it mean for us?

NAVA responds to Meeting of Cultural Ministers Communiqué

Media Release

Today’s critical moment for the future of our arts and culture

Media Release

COVID-19: Minister Fletcher acts quickly to ensure whole-of-government response is informed by arts industry

The Hon Paul Fletcher met with arts leaders today to understand how best to support the industry amid the widespread economic impacts of COVID-19 across the sector.

NAVA News 2, 2020

In the latest NAVA News, we take a look at the smallest scale of government and the big impacts it has on the arts.

Industry News February 2020

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, February 2020. 

NAVA and Art Month Sydney invite donations for a new Artists’ Benevolent Fund

Photo: Bert Flugelman, reflected in his public artwork The Spheres, Rundle Mall, Adelaide.

NAVA and Art Month Sydney invite donations for a new Artists’ Benevolent Fund

Photo: Bert Flugelman, reflected in his public artwork The Spheres, Rundle Mall, Adelaide.

IP Australia designs system review

IP Australia is currently conducting a survey to better understand the Australian design ecosystem and the role of intellectual property within it. 

NAVA News 1, 2020

Welcome to the new decade - one in which artistic leadership will matter more than ever before.

Revising the Code of Practice

NAVA's approach to revising the Code of Practice aims to cover all key areas of the sector while at the same time acknowledging that these areas overlap and interact. Photo by Sia Duff.

Industry News January 2020

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, January 2020. 

NSW Artists' Grant Recipients Announced

The last round of NSW Artists’ Grants sees a total of $12,500 shared between 10 artists.

Draft guidelines for Commissioning Art in Public Space

Feedback open until 20 January 2020.

Industry News November 2019

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, November 2019. 

Strength and courage from everyone at NAVA

Through this extreme fire emergency.

Best Practice: Commissioning Art in Public Space

NAVA is inviting feedback from artists and the sector on draft new guidelines for commissioning art in public space.

NAVA Response to Draft Pay Standards Feedback

Statement from the Chair of the NAVA Board, James Emmett, and Executive Director, Esther Anatolitis

Shivanjani Lal awarded the 2019 Carstairs Prize

The National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) is pleased to announce Shivanjani Lal as the 2019 recipient of the $3,000 Carstairs Prize for socially engaged practice. An additional highly commended prize of $1,000 was awarded to Laura Jade. 

Industry News October 2019

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, October 2019.

Industry News September 2019

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, September 2019.

Update on the draft New Pay Standards for Artists & Arts Workers

NAVA's next steps in collaboration with the sector. Illustration by Emily Johnson.

Global Climate Strike

NAVA will be closed for the global climate strike on Friday 20 September 2019.

Revision of NAVA's Fees & Wages Schedule

Image: Marnie Badham and Penelope Benton discuss artists' fees at NAVA's Best Practice: Commissioning Art in Public Space || Adelaide, June 2019. Photo by Sia Duff.

Industry News August 2019

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, August 2019.

Dale Collier receives the 2019 Windmill Trust Scholarship for Regional NSW Artists

Albatross, 2019. Performance documentation. Digital Photograph on Aluminium Composite Board. 40 x 60cm.

Matthew Linde awarded The Freedman Foundation International Scholarship for Curators

Installation view Passageways: On Fashion's Runway, curated by Matthew Linde, 13 October – 2 December 2018 Kunsthalle Bern   

Maria Vamvakinou MP at Arts Day on the Hill launch

Maria Vamvakinou MP's speech, Arts Day on the Hill launch; Inauguration of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for Contemporary Arts and Culture, 30 July 2019.

Tony Burke to artists: “We don’t just respect and appreciate what you do, we need what you do.”

The Hon Tony Burke MP's speech, Arts Day on the Hill launch & Inauguration of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for Contemporary Arts and Culture, 30 July 2019.

Conversations: Arts Day on the Hill

Esther Anatolitis and Georgia Mokak joined our eight Arts Day On The Hill advocates to discuss the ways the Arts can become a greater priority in the national conversation.

Industry News July 2019

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, July 2019.

NAVA announces Arts Day on the Hill participants

Today NAVA announces the eight Arts Day on the Hill participants who will gather in Canberra during the Parliament’s winter sitting to set the contemporary arts agenda.

Industry News June 2019

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, June 2019.

Industry News May 2019

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, May 2019.

2019 Recipients of The Freedman Foundation Travelling Scholarship for Emerging Artists Announced

Image: Laetitia Olivier-Gargano Finger Bun (2018). Silicone, polymer clay, bread, pigment, varnish. 15 x 8 x 6 cm approx.

Artists need NAVA

Support NAVA by filling in our annual Member survey, join or renew your Membership and/or make a tax deductible donation. 

NAVA welcomes new Government with unprecedented national action

Media Release

NAVA welcomes new Government with unprecedented national action

Media Release

Industry spotlight: policy expectations of Australia’s arts experts

Photo by Sarah Walker

NAVA releases Election Report Card

UPDATED 14.05.2019 to reflect latest campaign commitments.

How to use the NAVA Advocacy Toolkit

NAVA is calling on all parties to Invest in Artistic Courage and we need your help – all tens of thousands of you! – to get that message directly to your local member. 

Industry News April 2019

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, April 2019.

Why can’t a $7.1bn surplus fund a $7.1bn vision?

Media Release

Why can’t a $7.1bn surplus fund a $7.1bn vision?

Media Release

NAVA’s team strengthened by two new experts

NAVA welcomes Rebecca Conroy and Georgia Mokak to the national team dedicated to achieving a contemporary arts sector that’s ambitious and fair.

Industry News March 2019

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, March 2019.

The NAVA community mourns the loss of Edmund Capon AM OBE

Media Release

The NAVA community mourns the loss of Edmund Capon AM OBE

Media Release

Industry News February 2019

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, February 2019.

Artists' Fees & Payments Survey

NAVA needs your help to benchmark artist payments nationally and update our Fees & Payments Schedule for the benefit of artists and organisations across Australia.

Industry News January 2019

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, January 2019.

NAVA deeply concerned about continued Create NSW funding delays

The latest Arts & Cultural Projects funding round from Create NSW is still yet to be announced.

Your voice is a national voice: NAVA Members speak up

NAVA will be submitting responses to these upcoming consultations and encourages you to add your voice to help ensure that arts and cultural policy is well informed and effective in developing ambitious and fair working conditions.

Industry News November 2018

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, November 2018.

Victorian Election Report Card

Victoria votes on 24 November 2018.

What arts and culture vision do the major parties offer?

Janet Burchill & Jennifer McCamley and Dr Alex Gawronski awarded NAVA Visual Arts Fellowship 2018

Image: Burchill/McCamley, Simone Weil 2017. Vinyl lettering, nail and rope (left); 24/7 shield (centre) Brutopia (right). TCB, Melbourne.

Industry News October

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, October 2018.

Torika Bolatagici awarded the 2018 Carstairs Prize

Torika Bolatagici receives the Carstairs Prize.

Celebrating two years of NAVA Queensland

Today NAVA’s current Queensland project work draws to a close, and sadly, we farewell Sophie Chapman as Queensland Program Coordinator.

Industry News September

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, September 2018.

NAVA responds to South Australia’s shift in arts policy

Media Release

NAVA Visits Canada and the US to Investigate World’s Best Practice Models for Australian Artists

Tomorrow NAVA’s Executive Director, Esther Anatolitis, will travel to Canada and the US to meet with counterpart organisations, artists and advocates with thanks to an IGNITE Grant from the Copyright Agency.

First Nations need a Voice, not an envoy

The Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition Relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People (JSC) is seeking additional submissions until 17 September 2018.

Industry News August

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, August 2018.

Proposed overhaul of the ABN system

In 2018, Treasury sought feedback on possible changes to the ABN system. 

Artists call for a contemporary arts sector that’s ambitious and fair

Media Release - Post-Future/Forward

Image: Zan Wimberley

Artistic courage: our strategic plan

Image: Tony Albert, David C Collins and Kieran Smythe-Jackson, Warakurna Superheroes #5 2017, archival pigment print on paper, 100 x 150cm

‘Strengthening’ the MPA Framework

The Australian Government is calling for responses to a survey on “how to strengthen the Major Performing Arts Framework.”

Let’s do this.

Future/Forward is all about national standards and navigating the politics of policy change. What do we need to get right for a contemporary arts sector that’s ambitious and fair? What’s it going to take to make that happen?

Industry News July

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, July 2018.

NAVA Visual Arts Fellowship recipients to showcase work at Centre for Contemporary Photography

Image: Sonia Leber & David Chesworth, Geography Becomes Territory Becomes, 2018. 8-channel HD video installation, non-sync playback, 14 minutes. 

City of Melbourne Creative Strategy

Here are some questions for artists, organisations, workers and residents to consider in responding to the draft in writing or via consultation sessions:

Industry News June

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, June 2018.

Dr Fiona Foley receives the 2018 Windmill Trust Scholarship for Regional NSW Artists

Image: Fiona Foley, Flotsam and Jetsam #11, 2011. Gouache and graphite on Arches paper 31x41cm

Industry News May-June

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, May / June 2018.

NSW sector service share concerns on Create NSW funding and offer advice to prevent future delays

Joint statement from NAVA, Playwriting Australia, Theatre Network NSW and Regional Arts NSW.

NAVA statement on Create NSW funding announcement delays

NAVA responds to concerns raised by Members.

National vision neglected: NAVA responds to the Federal Budget

Media Release. 

GENDER EQUITY: Next steps

An update from NAVA two months after releasing our open letter: ‘Dear Person I’ve Been Reluctant To Keep Engaging With But Have Had To For Professional Reasons’.

Industry News Apr-May

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, April / May 2018.

Recipients of the NSW Artists' Grant (Round 1) announced

Image: Thom and Angelmouse, Rush Hour at Cloud Heaven (excerpt), 2017, 3-channel video installation, 16:9, stereo sound, 5 minutes.

Industry News Mar-Apr

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, March / April 2018.

Media Release: The first South Australian arts policy in twenty years?

NAVA Report Card for SA election

Media Release: A vision for arts and culture?

NAVA releases Report Card for Tasmanian state election.

Industry News Feb-Mar

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, February / March 2018.

Media Release: artsagenda

From today, artists are informing Parliament’s first sitting week with their passions, concerns and bold expectations for addressing the nation’s key priorities. 

#artsagenda

Join NAVA in building a critical mass of advocacy for the arts during the first sitting week of Parliament – setting a confident national agenda that’s led by artists.

Industry News

Latest industry news from the visual and media arts, craft and design sector, January / February 2018.

NAVA's 2017 Visual Arts Fellowship and Australian Artists' Grant recipients announced

Image: Sarah Goffman, 'Excess' 2007. Found fabric, sewing machine, table installation view.

Fair Pay for Artists: campaign update

Progress report on developments in NAVA's Fair Pay for Artists campaign.

NAVA farewells Deputy Director Brianna Munting

Letter to members on marriage survey outcome

From NAVA's Chair and Executive Director

NAVA welcomes Kate Fielding’s New Approach

MEDIA RELEASE

Hello from NAVA's new Executive Director

What an honour to be behind the Executive Director’s desk at this crucial organisation. It’s been a delightful day so far as I’ve been settling in, asking questions, and making plans with the impressive women who drive NAVA.

Abdullah M. I. Syed wins the 2017 Carstairs Prize

Image: Abdullah M. I. Syed, Bucking: Sydney, 2015, live performance, Photography: Zan Wimberley, Image courtesy the artist and 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, Sydney, Australia.

NSW Artists' Grant Recipients (Round 3) Announced

Round three of the funding program sees a total of $12,500 shared between 10 artists across NSW.

NAVA Marketing Coordinator

Unique opportunity for a dynamic, arts-loving and community-minded individual to join the NAVA team on a short-term basis and make an important contribution to Australia's leading arts advocacy organisation.

NAVA announces Esther Anatolitis as its next Executive Director

Media Release

20th Anniversary Windmill Trust Exhibition

14 September to 22 October 2017 at the Maurice Chick Family & MacLeod-Miller Adamshurst Gallery, MAMA.

Collaborative duo win the 2017 Windmill Trust Scholarship for NSW Regional Artists

The Windmill Trust together with the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) are pleased to announce that Rachel Peachey and Paul Mosig are this year’s recipients of the 20th annual Windmill Trust Scholarship for NSW Regional Artists which was doubled this year to $10,000.

What You Have Been Saying About Artists’ Fees

Tamara Winikoff reports on the outcomes of a series of consultation roundtables NAVA has been hosting this year on its Fair Pay for Artists campaign.

NAVA Queensland Artists' Survey

Calling all Queensland artists, complete our artist survey.

NAVA welcomes copyright amendment

Responses to Tamara's resignation

Following on from Tamara Winikoff's announcement of her resignation as Executive Director of NAVA, we share some of the messages from the sector celebrating her achievements and contributions to the visual arts sector.

NAVA's Key Achievements 1995-2017

Read below some of NAVA's key achievements 1995-2017.

The Freedman Foundation Travelling Scholarship Recipients 2017

Media Release - Four emerging artists receive travel scholarships of $5,000.

Change of Leadership for NAVA

After twenty-two years, Tamara Winikoff OAM has announced her resignation as Executive Director of NAVA, the peak national body protecting and promoting the Australian visual arts sector.

Art Wires - May 2017

NAVA's May 2017 Issue of Art Wires is on Industrial Relations. View online here.

Galleries commit to paying artists fees

We all know how hard it is for artists to earn income and accrue superannuation from their practice, so when organisations make a commitment to pay artists, we celebrate them.

Art Wires - April 2017

NAVA's April 2017 Issue of Art Wires is on Queensland. View online here.

ArtsPeak welcomes return of money to Australia Council

Media Release

Art Wires - February 2017

NAVA's February 2017 Issue of Art Wires looks at the launch of the small to medium report. View online here.

NAVA S2M report launched today

Art Wires - January 2017

NAVA's January 2017 Issue of Art Wires looks at fair pay for artists. View online here.

Fair Pay for Artists

NAVA Media Release

ArtsPeak welcomes creation of a new national arts voice

Media Release

ArtsPeak’s Response to the National Opera Review

Media Release

Senate Backs VET Training Support for Arts

Media Release

NAVA highlights

Find out what NAVA has been doing this last quarter including campaign work, events, forums and more.

VET FEE-HELP essential for professional arts training

Media Release

Townsville City Council De-professionalises Its Galleries

Media Release

2016 Sainsbury Sculpture Grant awardees announced

Media Release

On the Prospect of Restoration of Arts Funding

Media Release

The Freedman Foundation Travelling Scholarship for Emerging Artists 2016

Media Release

Shoufay Derz wins the 2016 Carstairs Residency Prize

NAVA and the Bundanon Trust are pleased to announce that Shoufay Derz is this year’s recipient of the Carstairs Residency Prize.

Open letter to the Prime Minister in response to his statements this week on Q&A

Read NAVA's open letter this week to the Prime Minister.

National Day of Arts Action Launch

Media Release

NAVA warmly welcomes Labor’s new Arts Plan

Media Release

NAVA warmly welcomes the Greens' arts policy

Media Release

ArtsPeak calls for restoration of Australia Council Funding

Media Release

Changed outlook for NAVA

Media Release

Art Wires - April 2016

In our April 2016 Issue of Art Wires we look at the visibility of craft. View online here.

Art Wires is NAVA's monthly newsletter featuring news and opinion, interviews with arts practitioners, focus on exhibitions and events around the country, opportunities and more. To subscribe to our mailing list sign up here.

The rise of maker spaces in Perth

With the rise and fall of the mining boom, and now a city in the throes of construction, Perth is also undergoing a creative boom with independent makers and artists banding together to form new communal studios and artist run spaces including MANY 6160 and Success in Fremantle, Another ARI and Daphne. Anna Dunnill reports.

ArtsPeak responds to Catalyst funding results

ArtsPeak Media Release

ArtsPeak takes up the Leadership Challenge with Expanded Executive Team

ArtsPeak Media Release

The Future of Australian Craft

Media Release

Art Wires - March 2016

In our March 2016 Issue of NAVA Art Wires we look at women in Australian art. View online here.

To subscribe to our mailing list sign up here.

Open letter from ArtsPeak to the Prime Minister

Gender acCOUNTability in the arts

Media Release

Arts at Edith Cowan University

In reference to Tamara’s interesting article entitled What’s Happened To Australia’s Art Schools I would like to correct the facts regarding a perceived reduction in the arts at Edith Cowan University by offering a rare success story.

ArtsPeak calls for Government to act on Senate Inquiry recommendations

ArtsPeak Media Release

Art Wires - February 2016

In our February 2016 Issue of NAVA Art Wires we look at tertiary education and beyond. View online here.

To subscribe to our mailing list sign up here.

Australia Day Honours List 2016

NAVA congratulates the following individuals who were among those recognised in the 2016 Australia Day Honours Lists for their service to the visual arts and craft sector.

ArtsPeak signals unsustainability of Australian arts

ArtsPeak media release

Senate Inquiry Report Says It All

NAVA Media Release

Senate Committee delivers arts inquiry report

After an intensive 4 months of holding public hearings around the country, the Committee for the Senate Inquiry into arts funding has finally delivered its report.

READ ONLINE HERE
This draws from a staggering 2718 submissions and the evidence delivered at the hearings by over 200 witnesses.

It is important to read the summary of that material and the 12 recommendations for action by the Government in the majority report.

Photo: Joan Cameron-Smith.

2015 Sainsbury Sculpture Grant awardees announced

NAVA is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2015 Sainsbury Sculpture Grant: Jamie O'Connell, Roberta Rich, Salote Tawale, and Tim Woodward

NAVA responds to Arts Minister's decision on NPEA

Media release

It is with very mixed feelings that the visual arts sector has greeted the Arts Minister, Mitch Fifield's announcement of the long awaited resolution of uncertainty surrounding government funding for the arts.

ArtsPeak: New arts minister fronts the sector

Return the money to the Australia Council was the strong message from over 60 arts delegates from around the nation who met with Federal Arts Minister Mitch Fifield at a National Arts Sector meeting in Sydney today. The delegates also heard from Labor Senator Jacinta Collins, Greens MP Adam Bandt and the Shadow Arts Minister Mark Dreyfus MP.

Media Release from ArtsPeak: the confederation of peak national arts organisations

National Arts Sector Roundtable

Free the Arts is organising a National Arts Sector Roundtable in Sydney on 6th November from 10.00am - 4.00pm at Performance Space, Carriageworks.

NAAE welcomes final endorsement of The Australian Curriculum: The Arts

Media release from National Advocates for Arts Education

ArtsPeak seeks urgent meeting with the Arts Minister Fifield

Letter from ArtsPeak to Senator Mitch Fifield sent on 16 October 2015.

ArtsPeak calls for new measures to deal with state/territory arts budget impact

ArtsPeak media release

Arts Sector Welcomes Change of Minister

National Association for the Visual Arts

Media release

Call for Turnbull to fix the arts mess

National Association for the Visual Arts
Media Release
Tuesday 15 September 2015

NAVA at Sydney Contemporary

NAVA will be at Sydney Contemporary and we need your help! We’re looking for volunteers who are available throughout the art fair from the 10th to 13th September to help us staff the NAVA stall in the Media Hub area and to be part of our roving team. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of Sydney's thriving contemporary art scene over the four days.

Hobart Public Hearing

A public hearing for the Senate Inquiry into the impact of the 2015/16 and 2016/17 Commonwealth Budget decisions on the Arts will be taking place in Hobart this Thursday. Many of Tasmania's key arts personnel and artists have been called as expert witnesses. (CAT's Chair, Neil Hadden and Director, Michael Edwards will speak.)

The hearing is open to the media and the public. There will be limited seating available.

LNP snubs arts funding inquiry

Media release from #freethearts

Arts sector gearing up for Senate Inquiry public hearings

Media release by Free the Arts

Senate Inquiry Hearings

Five public hearings have been confirmed for the Senate Inquiry into the impact of the 2014 and 2015 Commonwealth Budget decisions on the arts and will take place across Australia over the next six weeks.

ArtsPeak Laments Real Impact of Australia Council Cuts

Media Release

Harrie Fasher wins the 2015 Windmill Trust Scholarship

Media release

The Windmill Trust and the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) are delighted to announce Harrie Fasher as the recipient of the 2015 Windmill Trust Scholarship.

Huge Response to Senate Inquiry into Arts Funding

Media release
The National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) applauds the huge response - over 2260 submissions from around the country and overseas - to the Senate Inquiry into the impact of the 2014 and 2015 Commonwealth Budget decisions on the arts. (continues below)

ArtsPeak responds to announcement of NPEA guidelines

Media release

NPEA Value for Money?

Media Release
The National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) the peak body representing the professional interest of Australia’s visual and media arts, craft and design sector, today responded to the release last night of the draft guidelines for the ‘National Program for Excellence in the Arts’ (NPEA), by pointing out that they are similar to, but much narrower than the programs already offered by the Australia Council for the Arts.

Our Future In Our Hands: National Arts Sector Meeting #2

A message from Free the Arts

Make a submission to the Senate Inquiry

Senate Inquiry investigating the impact of the 2014 and 2015 Commonwealth Budget decisions on the Arts

National Arts Gathering Calls for Immediate Halt to NPEA

Media Release - Free the Arts

Impact of budget cuts on the visual arts sector

As a journalist, I’m called upon to travel to Canberra annually to report on the federal budget. In most years, issues such as health, education and defence are paramount. This year’s budget was different. One of the most interesting announcements was a short section in the budget papers concerning the Ministry for the Arts.

Regional gallery faces shadow of uncertainty

Since its establishment in 1992 KickArts Contemporary Arts has earned a reputation as a vital entity within Australia’s creative ecology. It has done so by consistently delivering over 25 exhibitions and projects yearly from emerging and established artists.

State and Territory Impact of the Federal Arts Budget

A letter from ArtsPeak, The Confederation of Peak National Arts Organisations to state and territory arts ministers

Australia Council Funding Cuts - National Call to Action

Take Action to Protect Australian Arts from Deadly Cuts

Queen's Birthday Honours List

NAVA congratulates the following individuals who were recognised in the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours List for their service to the visual arts and craft sector.

ArtsPeak Calls for Senate Inquiry

Media release

Mass Dance Action - Friday 22nd May - Nationally

This is a national call to action in response to Minister Brandis' plan to take $104.8 million from the Australia Council and transfer it to a proposed National Centre for Excellence in the Arts. Organisers are calling on artists, artsworkers and art-lovers all over to join together in a mass dance action across Australia on Friday 22 May at 1:30pm EST.


Federal Arts Budget Changes

In the 2015 Federal Budget, there was an announcement by the Government of proposed cuts to the Australia Council's budget to establish a new parallel program called the National Programme for Excellence in the Arts.

Crowdfunding for the Visual Arts

Crowdfunding is when a group of people come together to support a project, often in exchange for a perk or reward. Not just a one-off fundraising tool, an artist can expand their connections as well as bring their creations to life. Anna Maguire, author of Crowdfund it! shares her top tips to maximise your chance of crowdfunding success.

Public Art EOI Survey

NAVA is currently conducting a survey to collect feedback from artists about their experiences with public art commissions.

The information compiled from this survey will be used to inform a round table discussion with various government bodies that commission public art works.

Please follow this link to have your say.

Artists and the City

NAVA Executive Director Tamara Winikoff discusses the use of artists to provide vitality and excitement in public spaces and the problems that arise in the process of commissioning public art projects.

A Very Beautiful Laundromat

Using the laundromat as a small business model and place of public gatherings, Rebecca Conroy's latest artist led project attempts to strike the balance between the feast and famine of creative work.

Creativity in the Public Domain

Rachel Healy, City of Sydney Executive Manager Culture (Cultural Policy), discusses the City's goal for creative interventions to transform Sydney, provide new work opportunities for artists and remake the urban experience for its residents and visitors.

Artists Resale Royalty Scheme meeting

At a meeting on 20th March 2015, members of the visual arts sector had fruitful discussions with Senator George Brandis QC, Minister for the Arts and his Arts Adviser Michael Napthali about the Artists Resale Royalty Scheme.

The importance of mentorships

Tony Albert talks about the power of mentorships and the importance of sharing knowledge with fellow artists.

8 tips for staying connected

The life of an artist can sometimes be a lonely one - but only if you let it. Monica Davidson of Creative Plus Business details 8 tips for isolated artists to stay connected.

Protect the Resale Royalty scheme for Australian Artists

Become your own advocate and make your voice heard to protect Australian artists' resale royalty rights.

A bite from the Big Apple

Michael Zavros, a recent beneficiary of the Australia Council for the Arts' residency program, gives a glimpse into his time at Greene Street studios and the effects on his practice.

Status of the artist

Pavol Kral, MA, President of the Slovak Union of Visual Arts, provides insight from an international perspective on the goal to improve the legal and social status of artists.

Designs System Review

In response to the Federal Government's 'Review of the Designs System', NAVA has lodged a submission which calls for changes to the crossover between copyright and designs registration, patent law, lowering the cost of registration and harmonisation of Australian law with an international agreement.

Racial Discrimination Act change?

The attack on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo has reignited a debate in Australia about whether changes should be made to Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, that bans language that offends, insults or humiliates people.

Review of the Cultural Property Act

In the wake of the return by the National Gallery of Australia of what have been revealed as stolen artworks – the Seated Buddha statue and last year the Dancing Shiva – Federal Arts Minister, George Brandis has announced a review of Australian legislation governing the export and import of cultural property.

Why now is the time to invest in craft

Liana Heath, CEO of Artisan, discusses the impact of investing in craft.

NAVA at the IAA 5th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference

Going straight from Sydney summer to midwinter in Seoul, Korea gave a strong incentive for NAVA's Executive Director, Tamara Winikoff to have indoor meetings. She was one of the delegates to the International Association of Art (IAA) 5th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference where she had useful discussions with people from more than a dozen countries around the world about potential collaborations.

New measures to tackle online copyright infringement

Future/Forward Day One Plenary

Hannah Mathews provides a summary of the points raised and key observations of the first day of the Future/Forward summit.

Future/Forward Day Two Plenary

Dr Biljana Jancic distills the core themes and discussions of the second day of the Future/Forward summit, highlighting the underlying theme of artist as agent.

​Arts education in schools is under attack

In late October 2014, representatives of the National Advocates for Arts Education (NAAE) of which NAVA is a member, went to Canberra and met with advisers to the Education Minister and senior members of his department to explain our objections to the recommendations in the Review of the Australian Curriculum – Final Report. We are also arranging meetings with Education Ministers in every state and territory prior to the COAG meeting in early December.

Congratulations to our recent grant recipients

Congratulations to all of our recent grant recipients for the New South Wales Artists' Grant, Australian Artists' Grant, Sainsbury Sculpture Grant and Carstairs Residency Prize.

Seen & Heard at Future/Forward

For those who couldn't attend Future/Forward, NAVA has collected some comments, tweets and pictures from speakers and attendees.

​Contemporary Art, Pop-up Exhibitions and the “New Normal”

Joanna Mendelssohn discusses the current trends of exhibiting contemporary art in Australia.

Back to Normality

Ben Eltham looks at cultural policy in Australia where the 'new normal' is a replication of the old.

NAVA launches Future/Forward

Register now for Future/Forward - a two-day summit to provoke new thinking about Australian visual arts. Held from the 6 to 7 November 2014 at Carriageworks, NSW.

​The Melbourne Season for Art Fairs

Eve Sullivan, the new Executive Editor of Artlink Magazine, talks about the proliferation of art fairs and their sign of a healthy and growing market.

For the Love of Art

Ursula Sullivan, owner of Sullivan+Strumpf Fine Art, discusses her love of art fairs and how they are essential in developing audiences for galleries and artists alike.

The Open Curatorial Studio (OCS) in residence at Fontanelle