Screen Australia launches First Nations Game Studio fund
Fund to support studios "creating a culturally safe space for First Nations people to grow their skills in game development"
Screen Australia has announced the creation of the First Nations Game Studio fund, with applications already open.
Announcing the initiative yesterday, the funding body said it will support studios "currently operating and primarily under the leadership and creative control of First Nations people."
The fund will particularly be targeting established studios that "invested in creating a culturally safe space for First Nations people to grow their skills in game development."
Up to two First Nations studios will receive funds, which will represent up to AU$150,000 per year for two years.
Screen Australia’s head of First Nations Angela Bates commented: "The First Nations Game Studio fund is the first of its kind on a national scale and we are proud to further our commitment to supporting First Nations creatives in telling authentic stories across so many platforms for the screen.
"It is a fantastic opportunity for First Nations game studios to build their businesses and create games that will cut through and establish a place within this billion-dollar global industry."
Earlier this year, Screen Australia announced AU$1.5 million in funding for 11 titles via its Games: Expansion Pack Fund. The latter has funded 41 games with AU$5.5 million since its creation in March 2022.
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