FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch says he’s pleased that more than $3.65 million in funding has been provided to 14 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations in Far North Queensland to support local artists.
“This funding, through the Australian Government’s Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support programme, aims to enhance the cultural life and identity of our region and communities by supporting the unique styles and talents of our local artists,” said Mr Entsch.
“Each of these organisations plays an important role in Leichhardt, and I congratulate them on their successful applications.”
The funding includes:
- $733,250 for Community Enterprises Australia Limited to support the organisation’s Torres Strait branch in engaging Indigenous arts workers;
- $350,096 for Badhulgaw Kuthinaw Mudh TSI Corporation to support Badu Art Centre to provide services to visual artists based on Badu Island and engage Indigenous arts workers;
- $349,290 for Lockhart River Arts Indigenous Corporation to provide visual arts services to artists based in the Lockhart River Aboriginal community and engage Indigenous arts workers;
- $338,941 for Erub Erwer Meta Torres Strait Islander Corporation to provide services to visual artists based on Darnley Island and engage Indigenous arts workers;
- $333,170 for Ngalmun Lagau Minaral TSI Corporation to provide services to visual artists based on Moa Island and engage Indigenous arts workers;
- $332,505 for Pormpuraaw Arts and Cultural Centre Inc to provide visual artist services to artists based in the Pormpuraaw community and engage Indigenous arts workers;
- $299,290 for Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku to provide visual arts services to artists based in the Mossman Gorge region and engage Indigenous arts workers;
- $203,268 for Umi Arts Limited to provide services to visual artists based in the Cairns region and engage Indigenous arts workers;
- $183,215 for Aurukun Shire Council to support the Wik and Kugu Art Centre to provide visual arts services to artists based in the Aurukun region and engage Indigenous arts workers;
- $164,645 for Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council to support Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre in providing visual arts services to artists based in the Wujal Wujal community and engage Indigenous arts workers;
- $160,569 for Indigenous Art Centre Alliance Incorporated to provide business development, training and advocacy for Indigenous art centres and artists in Far North Queensland;
- $90,000 for Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Limited to contribute to the delivery of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, which promotes Indigenous visual art and supports the professional development of Indigenous artists and arts workers in Far North Queensland;
- $64,288 for Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council to engage Indigenous arts workers;
- $50,000 for Wei’Num Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts and Crafts Corporation to provide services to artists based in the Western Cape York region.
Minister for the Arts, Senator the Hon George Brandis QC, announced the funding at the Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair last Friday. He said the funding was part of a larger $22.2 million for 97 organisations across Australia to support and develop professional Indigenous visual arts practice and further strengthen the sector.
“These Indigenous art centres produce world-renowned art, as well as providing training, economic development, leadership and employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Senator Brandis said.
“As a result of this programme, more than 6,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists are supported in their art practice, enriching the nation’s cultural life and passing their culture and stories to the next generation.
“This funding will also enable art centres to provide training, leadership and employment opportunities for around 300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts workers living and working in some of Australia’s most remote communities,” he said.
Funding through the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support programme includes $11 million committed in previous years through multi-year funding arrangements.
More information about the program and a full list of funding recipients can be found at arts.gov.au