Indigenous arts win
$4m funding boost for Far North centres
INDIGENOUS art centres are about to share in $4 million as the State Government ramps up its investment in the sector across the Far North — except for one key project.
The Backing Indigenous Arts funds will be spent over the next four years and split between 14 small centres from Yarrabah to the Torres Strait.
Cook MP Cynthia Lui said the funding would help sustain the industry by supporting an ethical pipeline from creation through to market.
“I’m delighted that more than $2.5 million is going to 11 art centres in my electorate,” she said.
“Many of the art centres are in remote areas of Cape York, the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Torres Strait and are community hubs of great activity, providing support, workshops, materials and space for artists to come together.
“This funding supports innovative artistry such as the amazing ghost nets sculptures from Erub Arts in the Torres Strait that have captured international attention and were exhibited in London earlier this year.
“The funding also provides opportunities for Hope Vale artists on Cape York to translate rich stories of stolen generations and connection to land onto fabric through textile and fashion …”
The announcement comes just a week after the State Government unveiled indigenous dance companies Miriki Performing Arts and The Pryce Centre for Culture and Arts as new tenants of the $5.9 million redeveloped Centre of Contemporary Arts.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has also been a big supporter of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.
The one project that cannot get across the line is the $40 million Cairns Gallery Precinct — set to have a keen focus on indigenous culture — with Cairns Regional Council unable to convince the State Government to make its onethird contribution.