MAJOR BOOST FOR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ARTS
Published Wednesday, 03 October, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
The Mornington Island Arts Centre is one of seven art centres to receive funding in the first stage of a $10.73 million package for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and artists in Far North Queensland.
Premier Anna Bligh announced details of the seven selected communities who will benefit from the ‘Backing Indigenous Arts’ program as part of her visit to the Gulf today.
“The Backing Indigenous Arts program aims to boost infrastructure, development and the profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and artists in Far North and North West Queensland,” Ms Bligh said.
“It will provide the places, tools and skills to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists create and market their unique and beautiful art to the world.
“Under ‘Backing Indigenous Arts’, the Mornington Island Arts Centre will receive a share of $4.42 million to put towards arts development. The exact amount will be dependant upon community consultations which are now underway. A final decision is expected later this month.
“In addition, the island’s Woomera Aboriginal Cooperation will receive $50,000 early next year to support two vital projects – the development of cultural tourism for the Island and further support for the Biennial Gulf Festival.
“These funds build on the State Government’s ongoing support of more than $100,000 per year for the Mornington Island dancers.
“The Biennial Gulf Festival is one of Queensland’s most outstanding Indigenous arts festivals, with three days of traditional song and dance performance from Gulf Communities.
“The ‘Backing Indigenous Arts’ funding, provided over the next four years, will help sustain the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists across Far North Queensland through artist networks, improved infrastructure, increased cultural tourism opportunities and broader community involvement in arts and cultural activity.”
Arts Minister Rod Welford said the value of the Australian Indigenous arts and craft market to the Australian economy was estimated to be worth $400-$500 million.
“’Backing Indigenous Arts; will help tap into this potential and develop arts economies which bring improved social and economic opportunities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders,” Mr Welford said.
“Backing Indigenous Arts will support the operations of arts centres in Mornington Island, Aurukun, Lockhart River, Kubin (Moa River), Wujal, Kowanyama, Hope Vale, Yarrabah, Kuku-Yalangi (Mossman Gorge), Pormpuraaw, Girringun (Cardwell region) and Erub (Darnley Island).
“The support will focus on arts production, cultural infrastructure and resources, training and arts business development. Funding will also assist arts hubs at Weipa, Cairns and Thursday Island provide marketing support to the community and service community artists.
“Backing Indigenous Arts is wide ranging – it is about developing networks and improving infrastructure, building skills, creating opportunities and supporting cultural engagement.
“It is about securing a future for Indigenous artists by creating the right kind of environment for them to work as artists,” the Minister said.
Wednesday October 3, 2007
Media contact:
Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
Minister’s Office – 3237 1000
Premier Anna Bligh announced details of the seven selected communities who will benefit from the ‘Backing Indigenous Arts’ program as part of her visit to the Gulf today.
“The Backing Indigenous Arts program aims to boost infrastructure, development and the profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and artists in Far North and North West Queensland,” Ms Bligh said.
“It will provide the places, tools and skills to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists create and market their unique and beautiful art to the world.
“Under ‘Backing Indigenous Arts’, the Mornington Island Arts Centre will receive a share of $4.42 million to put towards arts development. The exact amount will be dependant upon community consultations which are now underway. A final decision is expected later this month.
“In addition, the island’s Woomera Aboriginal Cooperation will receive $50,000 early next year to support two vital projects – the development of cultural tourism for the Island and further support for the Biennial Gulf Festival.
“These funds build on the State Government’s ongoing support of more than $100,000 per year for the Mornington Island dancers.
“The Biennial Gulf Festival is one of Queensland’s most outstanding Indigenous arts festivals, with three days of traditional song and dance performance from Gulf Communities.
“The ‘Backing Indigenous Arts’ funding, provided over the next four years, will help sustain the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists across Far North Queensland through artist networks, improved infrastructure, increased cultural tourism opportunities and broader community involvement in arts and cultural activity.”
Arts Minister Rod Welford said the value of the Australian Indigenous arts and craft market to the Australian economy was estimated to be worth $400-$500 million.
“’Backing Indigenous Arts; will help tap into this potential and develop arts economies which bring improved social and economic opportunities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders,” Mr Welford said.
“Backing Indigenous Arts will support the operations of arts centres in Mornington Island, Aurukun, Lockhart River, Kubin (Moa River), Wujal, Kowanyama, Hope Vale, Yarrabah, Kuku-Yalangi (Mossman Gorge), Pormpuraaw, Girringun (Cardwell region) and Erub (Darnley Island).
“The support will focus on arts production, cultural infrastructure and resources, training and arts business development. Funding will also assist arts hubs at Weipa, Cairns and Thursday Island provide marketing support to the community and service community artists.
“Backing Indigenous Arts is wide ranging – it is about developing networks and improving infrastructure, building skills, creating opportunities and supporting cultural engagement.
“It is about securing a future for Indigenous artists by creating the right kind of environment for them to work as artists,” the Minister said.
Wednesday October 3, 2007
Media contact:
Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
Minister’s Office – 3237 1000