Two art groups in move to CoCA
INDIGENOUS dance is getting a new home in Cairns, with two leading cultural performance companies announced as tenants for the $5.9 million redeveloped Centre of Contemporary Arts.
Miriki Performing Arts and The Pryce Centre for Culture and Arts will move into the Abbott St facility this month, joining long-term tenants JUTE Theatre Company and KickArts Contemporary Arts.
Cairns MP Michael Healy said there would be more tenancy announcements over the coming months.
“I’m delighted the new centre is already bringing in such amazing companies and (I) look forward to seeing what’s on the horizon as more tenants begin to move in early next year,” he said.
“This is huge investment into our region and the CoCA’s renewed focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts will really boost the local arts community in Far North Queensland.”
Miriki Performing Arts provides opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Cairns aged 12-25 to create, choreograph and perform their heritage through theatre and dance.
“As Miriki is fundamentally based in grassroots development balanced with theatrical flair, becoming a tenant of the new building will enable us to continue delivering worldclass performances; and to advance the next generation of professional industry-based performers,” artistic director Pauline Lampton said.
The Pryce Centre offers programs for young indigenous people with a focus on traditional and contemporary dance grounded in cultural knowledge and protocols.
Executive director Rita Pryce said the move meant the organisation would finally have space to operate as a professional business.
“Our culture, and most importantly its protocols, is the foundation of everything we do,” Ms Pryce said.
Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said the new tenants would be a perfect fit for the centre. “Unique Queensland stories will be shared and cultural tourism in the region will grow as the centre becomes … a hub for Far North Queensland arts and culture,” she said.
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