The University of Western Australia will receive $300,000 over three years from the state government to research rock art in the Kimberley.
Premier Colin Barnett said the research would involve traditional owners and aimed to improve the protection, management and maintenance of Kimberley's rock art.
"The ancient rock art is of immense importance to WA and also of huge significance to the rest of Australia and the world," Mr Barnett said.
"As a State Government, we have the responsibility to protect and manage the rock art so it can be enjoyed and studied by current and future generations."
The Premier said some of the ancient Kimberley paintings were among the oldest rock art in Australia and linked to the earliest migration of humans to Australia.
"The images known as the Bradshaw Rock Art (or Gwion Gwion) are 25,000 to 35,000 years old," he said.
"To put that into perspective, Stonehenge is believed to be 5,000 years old and the Egyptian pyramids about 4,000 years old."
Mr Barnett made the funding announcement at the launch of a new partnership between Kimberley Foundation Australia and UWA.
The partnership will see the establishment of a major rock art research centre based at the university.
"This is an important partnership which has the potential of encouraging further private sector relationships," the Premier said.
"I welcome the project and look forward to seeing the results of the important research the centre will undertake."
In addition to the $300,000 for rock art research, the Government will invest $10million over four years in fire, feral animal and weed control across the Kimberley.
"This will include substantial investment in practical fire management measures such as hand trimming, and aerial and hand burning to protect highly significant rock art sites across the region," Mr Barnett said.
