GOVERNMENT BOOST FOR INDIGENOUS REGIONAL ARTS

Traditional Aboriginal art skills will be boosted through a $20,000 one-off grant to assist two arts centres in Yarrabah, Arts Minister Rod Welford announced today.

Mr Welford said the funds to Yarrabah Arts and Craft Centre and the Bama Ngappi Ngappi Arts and Craft Workshop would support a series of artist residencies.

“Yarrabah has a long and lively history of arts practice and these funds will help ensure this tradition continues,” Mr Welford said.

“The recent renewed activity in weaving will be strengthened and pottery practices will also be boosted with funding for new equipment and the introduction of ceramic designs.

“There is increasing interest in Indigenous arts, both nationally and internationally, and this funding will help local artists improve their skills and marketability.

“The Queensland Arts Industry Sector Development Plan, released by our Government earlier this year, has a major focus on preserving and promoting Queensland’s unique and distinctive Indigenous cultures.

“We want to help create sustainable and successful arts centres in Indigenous communities, build arts practices in those communities, and improve the marketing opportunities for Indigenous artists.”

Yarrabah Arts and Craft Centre opened in 1994 and was funded through the State Government’s Millennium Fund. Bama Ngappi Ngappi is a family-based enterprise in Yarrabah.

The one-off grant complements an annual allocation of $15,000 to Yarrabah Community Council and Bama Ngappi Ngappi Aboriginal Corporation from the State Government through the Indigenous Regional Arts Development Fund (IRADF).

Mr Welford said in 2007-08, 16 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities would benefit from $242,400 in funding from IRADF.

“IRADF aims to strengthen Indigenous culture by developing networks in the community so this culture and its traditions can be celebrated and experienced by all generations,” he said.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0417 734 985