Indigenous print centre a boost for Far North Queensland artists

A new Cairns print centre will provide Far North Queensland Indigenous artists with valuable income and creative opportunities, Arts Minister Rod Welford said today.

“The pioneering print style of Indigenous artists will have a new home at Djumbunji Press, KickArts Fine Art Printmaking Centre,” Mr Welford said.

“Djumbunji Press will give artists a chance to develop new skills and increase the production capacity for printmakers so they can sell their work.

“To open in 2009 on the James Cook University campus in Cairns, the centre will become a significant economic generator, advancing the art of the region through sales at major events such as the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.

“This project is a vital part of the Bligh Government’s $10.73 million Backing Indigenous Arts program.”

Mr Welford said djumbunji was a traditional word of the Gimuy Yidinji people meaning ‘belongs to scorpion place’ and honoured the location of the press in the area of Bunda Djumbunji’s Scorpion Mountain, the traditional name for the Whitfield Mountain range.

Mr Welford said its investment in Djumbunji Press was an example of the Bligh Government’s commitment to regional arts.

“We value access to the arts and cultural experience,” Mr Welford said.

“That’s why I’m glad to see work is about to start on the $2.06 million stage two development for Cairns Centre of Contemporary Arts (CoCA),”.

“The stage 2 development will see the creation of a multi-purpose rehearsal space available for workshop and skills development activities by local arts organisations.

“It will also provide an essential upgrade to the air conditioning and electrical services for Cairns CoCA to ensure it remains an excellent venue.

“These improvements will allow more people to access the arts and creativity.

“Combined with the economic and learning potential of Djumbunji Press, this is an exciting time for the arts in Far North Queensland.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 0419 734 985