Calling local First Nations artists and designers

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We are calling for expressions of interest (EOI) from local First Nations designers or artists to create a unique design to support a Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) prevention and information campaign targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people in the Central Queensland region – with a specific focus on Woorabinda, Biloela, Emerald, and Rockhampton.

About the campaign

Rheumatic heart disease is the most common worldwide cause of heart-related death in children and adults aged under 40 years. Australia has one of the highest reported rates of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in the world.

RHD is killing two young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a week. 10,000 people live with RHD and over 80% are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. It’s predicted that this number will double in the next decade without urgent action.

ARF / RHD is caused by repeated bacterial infection of the throat and skin and thrives in communities where there are barriers to maintaining personal hygiene because of poverty and overcrowded homes.

RHD is preventable - and is treatable.

Target audience

Primary audience:

  • First Nations families (children and adults) living in Central Queensland regions.
  • First Nations people living with RHD diagnosis.

Secondary audience:

  • Clinicians and nurses in Primary and Secondary Health Settings – they need to be aware of this condition and be trained to be able to give culturally appropriate medical help

Artist brief

The appointed artist will work collaboratively to create a suite of First Nations design or illustration elements that capture key themes that could include:

  • Healthy Skin
  • Healthy Throat
  • Healthy Heart – Blocking Strep A germs
  • Blocking RHD
  • Community
  • Family looking after each other
  • Medicine helps

The artwork should positively reflect the themes above to support an underlying message, that healthy skin equals healthy heart, and that RHD is preventable. The artwork’s symbols, iconography, colours, and style must respectfully represent the local Central Queensland First Nations Country and communities. The artwork must be delivered in a high-resolution digital format (preferably vectorised in .EPS or .PDF or JPG, PNG), and be suitable to be scalable and adapted to various applications.

Please read the Expression of Interest information [PDF 150.9 KB].

Closing date for applications: Midnight Wednesday 22 November 2023

Email applications to: CQHHSEDFN@health.qld.gov.au

For more information on how to apply or questions regarding the EOI process please contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing Unit (07) 4932 5161 or email CQHHSEDFN@health.qld.gov.au