Press release from TM Publicity
Screen NSW has today launched its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which outlines how the organisation will play its part in closing the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and their fellow Australians.
The Screen NSW RAP has been prepared in collaboration with Reconciliation Australia, the federal body set up in 2000 to build and promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians for the wellbeing of the nation.
“Our RAP has been developing since Screen NSW began a strategic review of its activities in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander screen practitioners and industry. The Screen NSW RAP incorporates many of the thoughts collected over this period and is a plan that will continually evolve to ensure that we remain relevant and responsive in a changing screen industry landscape,” said Tania Chambers, Chief Executive of Screen NSW.
The Screen NSW RAP is based on the three key areas outlined by Reconciliation Australia: Respect, Relationships; and Opportunities.
Actions planned by Screen NSW include:
• A 10% increase in funding applications received per year across all programs that include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander key creative personnel.
• Increased visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the Screen NSW website; in its enews; and publications.
• Guaranteed funds for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander projects and stories, that is reviewed annually.
• The establishment of a Screen NSW internship for six months each year.
“Screen NSW aims to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, languages and interests are accurately represented in the projects Screen NSW funds and the work that we do,” Ms Chambers said.
“We will strive to strengthen partnerships and networks between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other Australian screen practitioners as an important pathway to building respect and understanding. Through the RAP, we hope to foster a positive environment of collaboration and support.