Newman Government puts Indigenous Artists First

Published Friday, 10 May, 2013 at 03:33 PM

Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts
The Honourable Ian Walker

Queensland’s Indigenous artists are going global thanks to funding from the Newman Government.

Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts Ian Walker today announced five exciting collaborations in Moscow, Berlin, London and Canada would receive $95,000 in funding through the LNP Government’s Backing Indigenous Arts (BIA) initiative.

“Brisbane-based artist Richard Bell will be showing his work in Moscow from September at the 2013 Moscow Biennale,” Mr Walker said.

“He’s also appearing at the National Gallery of Canada, along with Vernon Ah Kee, at the Sakahan: International Indigenous Art event in Ottawa.

“The work of Queensland artists Brian Robinson, Danie Mellor and Christian Thompson will be showcased at the Berlin Art Fair in September.

“Fiona Foley will exhibit work and deliver the keynote address in London at Origins: Festival of First Nations, the world’s leading festival of Indigenous art.

“Queensland’s leading Indigenous artists will feature in My Country, I Still Call Australia Home: Contemporary Art from Black Australia, opening at the Gallery of Modern Art in June as part of the Gallery’s largest-ever exhibition of contemporary Indigenous Australian art.

“The exhibition will showcase 46 artists either born or residing in Queensland.”

Mr Walker said the Newman Government supported the projects through the Backing Indigenous Arts International Arts Partnership Program, delivered by Arts Queensland.

“This initiative builds a sustainable and ethical arts industry and takes the unique art of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to the world,” Mr Walker said.


[ENDS] 10 May 2013
Media contact: Casie Scott    0432 453 225