6 exhibition ready program IN THIS ISSUE UMI ARTS NEWS : ISSUE 9, 2009

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1 YOU AND ME STRENGTHENING OUR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL PRACTICES UMI ARTS NEWS : ISSUE 9, 2009 Exhibition Ready Program UMI Arts wishes to recognise the great accomplishments of the artists who have participated in the 2009 Exhibition Ready program. The artists who exhibited during 2009 were Ceferino Sabatino, Gertrude Ygosse, Lara Fujii, Misepele Nona, Shaun Edwards, Kevin Edmondstone, Marilyn Kepple, Yowane Namaibai and Lea Ambrum-Stevens. UMI Arts also thanks the Western Cape Indigenous Arts Hub, and artists Samuel Claremont, Daphne de Jersey, Margaret Mara (née de Jersey), Marsha Hall and Terrence Newman for the New Beginnings exhibition, which also featured in the program. The Exhibition Ready program involves artists working with UMI Arts Development Officers to build skills in managing the preparation, presentation, and promotion of their own art exhibitions to further their careers as independent professional artists and/or arts workers. The program covers areas such as developing promotional materials and a portfolio, understanding artwork pricing and commissions, radio (top row) Kevin Edmonstone on BBM Radio 98.7FM, Shaun Edwards, Lea Ambrum- Stevens, Lara Fujii s beaded jewellery, Misepele Nona wearing his carved jewellery, (bottom row) Ceferino Sabatino, Marilyn Kepple, Gertrude Ygosse, Yowane Namaibai. interviews, installation techniques, contracts, copyright, Indigenous Australian Art Commercial Code of Conduct and certificates of authenticity, accessing funding and coordinating an exhibition launch. UMI Arts congratulates artists whose very hard work, and great talent have seen a wonderful program of vibrant exhibitions throughout the year. Many artists have already gone on to hold further exhibitions, participate in residencies, and apply for funding to continue their careers. UMI Arts would also like to recognise the efforts of the 2008/09 artists, who contributed artworks to the UMI Arts exhibition that toured to the 2009 Dreaming Festival. The tour was a great success and promoted Far North Queensland Indigenous art to audiences down south. A new Exhibition Ready brochure has been recently released, and UMI Arts is now welcoming applications for For further information contact UMI Arts or visit our web site. IN THIS ISSUE 2 UMI Arts Chairperson s Word 2 UMI Arts Executive Officer s Word 6 exhibition ready program 6 UMI Arts Indigenous markets 8 CAlendar of events & membership form UMI news 3 STAff changes 3 new directors of umi arts board 3 successful grants and projects 3 cairns indigenous arts & culture hub 3 new umi arts web site news & events around the region 5 yupla mipla ahfla 5 RESAle royalties for visual artists 5 local musicians stepping up 4 INdigenous australian art commercial code of conduct 1

2 A Word from the Chairperson I would like to congratulate and thank our two new Directors of UMI Arts Desmond Tayley and Shaun Edwards each brings skills, experience, and passion to our all Indigenous Board of eight Directors. Thank you also to the UMI Arts members who attended our Annual General Meeting in Lisa Michl October. Our Annual Report was presented at that meeting and an electronic version is also available on our web site. The last months continued to be full of exciting new developments and achievements. In November we were delighted to be advised that our application for recurrent funding under the new Building Organisations Program of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board of the Australia Council had been successful. UMI Arts was the only Queensland organisation to be recognised in this highly competitive funding program and we look forward to an increasingly high level of engagement at a national level, on issues and strategies for Indigenous artists and arts organisations and centres in Far North Queensland. I am also pleased to report that UMI Arts has been identified as the lead agency to engage a consultant to undertake a feasibility study on the proposed Indigenous Arts and Cultural Hub or Centre in Cairns. Fieldworx commenced the consultancy early in December and Sandra Fields and her team will be consulting extensively with organisations and individuals over the coming months. The findings of the study will be available in the first half of the new year. Finally, I hope you will enjoy the new UMI Arts web site. I would like to thank Madeleine, Guy and Oliver for all their work to make the site both informative and user-friendly. The web site will be regularly updated to include new information about issues and events around the region and we look forward to your comments and feedback on the site. It has been a very exciting and busy year for both our Board of Directors and staff of UMI Arts and I would like to record my thanks to Janet and the team at UMI Arts for all their hard work and commitment to the vision and purpose of UMI Arts as the peak Indigenous arts and cultural organisation in Far North Queensland. I wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas and a wonderful New Year ahead. A Word from the Executive Officer We hope that you enjoy this, our last newsletter for the year. As always, there is never enough room to include information about all the wonderful events happening around our region and in Cairns. Over the past six months our Communications & Development Officer has taken on much Janet Parfenovics of the preparation of the Newsletter but sadly Madeleine is leaving us in January to take up a new position at ANKAAA we all wish Madeleine every success in her new career. However, it is also a time to welcome Guy Hancock to the team at UMI Arts. Guy has worked with us over a number of years and is well known to many of you for his graphic design work. In addition to our new web site, we have also responded to an increasing interest in our Exhibition Ready program with a new brochure has been produced to explain the program in more detail. Copies are available from us and on our new web site. Over the past year UMI Arts has successfully applied for a number of grants and I would like to thank our funding partners for their support of and belief in UMI Arts. Details of our successful grants are included in this edition of our Newsletter. In 2010, UMI Arts Program will continue to deliver the UMI Arts Markets, with the support of Arts Queensland and the Cairns Regional Council, as well as the Exhibition Ready Program, including a new component that will be delivered in-community. The year ahead will also see the return of Big Talk One Fire and a number of new programs that will include dance, music and performance. Finally, I would like to thank the Board of Directors of UMI Arts for their advice, wisdom and guidance which continue to shape the delivery of our ever increasing program of events and activities. I wish everyone a very happy new year and look forward to working with you over the year ahead. Janet Parfenovics Executive Officer Lisa Michl Chairperson UMI Arts recognised one of Australia s outstanding Indigenous organisations The Australia Council for the Arts has announced that ten outstanding Indigenous arts and cultural organisations will receive substantial longterm funding under the National Indigenous Arts Infrastructure Program. UMI Arts was the only Queensland organisation to be recognised. gaining recognition and respect for its strength, vitality and diversity. Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts grants for organisations like UMI Arts help support the development, promotion and enjoyment of Australia s unique Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Dr Mark Bin Bakar, Chairperson of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board of the Australia Council for the Arts said, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts are keeping culture strong, This recent funding will strengthen the voice of Far North Queensland Indigenous artists and raise the profile of Queensland s Indigenous cultures and communities. 2 Contact UMI Arts UMI Arts Ltd. PO Box 1100, North Cairns Qld Office: 2/151 Martyn Street, Parramatta Park, Cairns Qld 4870 Phone: (07) Fax: (07) admin@umiarts.com.au Website: UMI Arts gratefully acknowledges the support of:

3 UMI News Farewell Madeleine UMI Arts farewells Madeleine who has been working as the Communications and Development Manager over the past 6 months. UMI Arts thanks Madeleine for her time spent at UMI Arts contributing to initiatives such as the new web site, UMI Madeleine Challender newsletters, and funding applications, and for the development and coordination of a range of both new and existing projects and publications. Madeleine is moving to Darwin to continue her work supporting art practices in regional and remote areas and we wish her all the best. UMI Arts Directors Appointed UMI Arts is pleased to welcome two new directors to the Board; Desmond Taley and Shaun Edwards. Desmond Taley is a Kuku Yalanji/Kuku Nyungkul man from the Bloomfield River area with family ties going back for many generations. Desmond was elected to the Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council in 2000 and was elected Mayor by the Council in Desmond is a member of the governing body of the Bana Mindilji Aboriginal Corporation, Desmond Taley which looks to hold title to land on behalf of the members and to provide economic, social and cultural benefit to the members. Shaun Edwards Kalk descends from the Kokoberrin people of the Staaten River area. He is an established visual artist and is an active advocate for Indigenous people, especially of the Central Western Cape York Region. As well as holding many professional Shaun Edwards positions, Shaun has worked as the Director of Opposition Research, the Give us a Go Campaign, and was a co-founder of the Kowanyama Baby Festival, and co-founder and spokesperson for the Indigenous Environment Foundation. Shaun holds a Masters of Philosophy in Public Health (University of Sydney). UMI Arts is honoured to have these respected leaders on its Board. Federal Funding for New Projects UMI Arts has recently received Federal funding from the Regional Arts Fund to extend its Exhibition Ready project into the communities of Wujal Wujal and Hope Vale in 2010, and to produce a DVD that will document the project and outline professional skills for independent artists and/or arts workers. Welcome Guy UMI Arts welcomes Guy Hancock who will replace Madeleine as the Communications and Development Manager. Guy has a Bachelor of Social Science degree, specialising in Community Development. He has experience with Indigenous communities across the Asia Guy Hancock Pacific region including Cape York, PNG and Fiji. Guy also brings skills in graphic design, marketing and communications through his past experience as a professional graphic artist/designer which spans the corporate, advertising, multimedia and community sectors. Guy has a keen interest in all forms of art, and has written and released electronic music tracks. For many years, Guy has been the designer of UMI Arts Newsletters, branding and promotional material, and we look forward to him taking a more active role with the organisation. Arts Queensland Backs UMI Arts Markets 2010 After the success of the 2009 UMI Arts Indigenous Markets pilot program, UMI Arts has received funding from Arts Queensland s Backing Indigenous Arts program to continue the Markets in The funding will enable the event to grow in new ways to increase the positive outcomes for artists, musicians, and dance groups based in Cairns and surrounding George Riley at Markets communities. UMI Arts and Queensland Health Partner to Promote Non-Smoking UMI Arts thanks Queensland Health for its sponsorship of the UMI Arts Indigenous Markets though the Indigenous Health Promotion Event Support Program. The message Tobacco, it could cost us our culture was promoted at the event with T-shirts worn by participants and free merchandise given out to hundreds of Indigenous attendees who supported the campaign. Festivals Australia has provided funding towards UMI Arts biennial Big Talk One Fire cultural celebration and summit. Funding will support the Small Sister, Small Brother project, which builds opportunities for young people across Far North Queensland to take part in Big Talk One Fire Young people in schools and PCYC s will work with Indigenous artists and community leaders to contribute digital artworks exploring the question What does Culture mean to me? Isaac Ryan with promo gear at Markets 3

4 UMI News 2010 Program The UMI Arts 2010 program will include the successful UMI Arts Indigenous Markets and the Exhibition Ready program, including a new in-community component. New initiatives include a Cultural Tourism pilot project, Cultural Port of Call which is currently being developed by Jeremy Geia. UMI Arts will also further develop its music program in collaboration with local musicians. These pilot programs will launch the organisation into new directions to increase support and opportunities across all art forms. UMI Arts is committed to playing an active role with Arts Queensland to further develop the Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair (CIAF), and Cairns Indigenous Arts and Culture Hub. UMI Arts Web Site UMI Arts web site was launched on 17th December The web site will continue to have new pages and content uploaded as programs and resources are developed. We hope the new site is a valuable resource for our members and the wider community. UMI Arts welcomes feedback on the site design and content to ensure it is user-friendly, up-to-date, and full of useful information. Reef Fund Supports Music Program UMI Arts is delighted to have received funding from the Reef Hotel Casino Community Benefit Fund for the purchase of musical instruments for the UMI Arts Markets and youth music program. UMI Arts has received a number of enquiries for music-based program across the region. We hope to extend the program across the Cape in The Board extends its sincere thanks to the Reef Fund and looks forward to sharing this valuable resource with our community, and seeing the benefits of bringing music and culture to our young people. Cairns Indigenous Arts and Culture Hub Arts Queensland, through Backing Indigenous Arts, is funding UMI Arts to engage a consultant to develop a feasibility report that identifies options and recommendations for an Indigenous Arts and Culture Hub or Centre in Cairns. It is anticipated that the Hub will be a facility that can both support production and offer showcasing opportunities for Indigenous artists and cultural practitioners not only in the Cairns region but accessible to other communities and arts centres within the Far North Queensland region. In August 2009, UMI Arts received funding from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund to purchase a Toyota Hilux to assist with programs that extend into communities across Far North Queensland. The new 4WD vehicle is already making a great difference to work in these communities and will be essential in the delivery of the 2010 Exhibition Ready Darryl Harris with new car program in community. 4 Hope Vale Field Trips UMI Arts Development Officers travelled to Hope Vale in September to assist the Hope Vale Arts and Cultural Centre in its transition to new management, and to also attend the Pelican Camp. The Pelican Camp is a community event at Elim Beach, and is designed to create positive activities for young people to retain connection to family and culture. UMI Arts staff were invited to community discussions about how the camp can continue to build on its success and continue to enrich the lives of young people. In November, the UMI Arts Executive Officer was asked to assist at the Hope Vale centre to facilitate its AGM. UMI Arts was pleased to be of assistance to the Arts Centre in this way. UMI Arts New Vehicle Renee and the beautiful ladies from the Hope Vale Arts Centre Arts Queensland broadly defines an arts hub s role as responding to local and regional needs, through access to administrative, arts and culture development, exhibitions, showcasing, retailing, workshops and other services. It will support the holistic view of Indigenous culture which includes visual arts and crafts, music, dance, language and lore, as well as new developments that might include multi-media, fashion, film and design. Fieldworx, the successful consultant, will consult extensively with a broad spectrum of interested parties including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and cultural practitioners, communities and arts centres, both in the Cairns region and in Far North Queensland. The consultant reports regularly to a Steering Committee made up of key stakeholders including representatives from UMI Arts and Arts Queensland. The feasibility report is to be completed by April For information on how to submit comments or recommendations please contact Feildworx on cairns_indigenous_hub@fieldworx.com.au. BBM Radio Tune in to the UMI Arts Hour every Friday from 12 noon to 1pm on BBM 98.7FM to hear Renee yarn about UMI Arts Markets, exhibition programs and other arts and cultural activities, as well as live to air interviews with artists, musicians and performers, including music updates from Smith Lui (aka SeeBreez). SeeBreez is a local Hip Hop artist, and is MC at the UMI Arts Markets. We would like to thank BBM for this opportunity to showcase art and culture of Far North Queensland.

5 News & Events Around the Region Indigenous Australian Art Commercial Code of Conduct The Indigenous Australian Art Commercial Code of Conduct has now been passed and sets an industry approved set of standards. The Code aims to contribute to the well-being of Indigenous Australians by providing a tool to ensure: fair and ethical trade with Indigenous artists; transparency with the promotion and sale of Indigenous artwork; and a fair and equitable dispute resolution system for disputes arising under the Code. Anyone operating in the Indigenous Art Industry (such as dealers, agents, art galleries, auction houses, art centres, wholesalers and retailers of Indigenous art) may apply to the Code Administration Committee in 2010 to become a signatory to the Code. Signing up to the Code is voluntary, but in making that commitment, signatories agree to comply with all provisions of the Code. For information on the Code visit Yupla Mipla Ahfla The 2 Spirits program at QLD Association for Healthy Communities (QAHC) conducted art workshops in July 2009 with Cairns and International artist Arone Meeks and youth members of Yupla Mipla Ahfla (Indigenous Lesbian Gay Men and Sistergirl Social Support Group). Participants learnt about drawing techniques and composition as well as formulating ideas and images around issues faced by the Indigenous LGBTI community. Sexuality and Gender Identity is considered to influence patterns of health outcomes for LGBT people due to: Stigma and Discrimination; lack of knowledge of sexuality and gender identity issues; Marginalisation/isolation; and geographic location. Resale Royalties for Visual Artists Legislation has been introduced for the Resale Royalty Right scheme to ensure Australia s visual artists receive a portion of the proceeds from the resale of their works. Under the new scheme, artists will receive five percent of the sale price when original works are resold through the art market for $1000 or more. The Resale Royalty Right will apply only on resales where the seller acquires a work after the resale royalty legislation takes effect. It is anticipated that a collecting society to administer the right will be appointed in early The new royalty scheme will be of particular benefit to Indigenous artists and UMI Arts acknowledges the efforts of local member for Leichardt, Jim Turnour, MP who championed the bill in Federal Parliament. For further information on how the scheme will work see fact sheets at: Local Musicians Stepping Up Local Indigenous musicians are heading for success and will be laying down tracks and touring during early Far North Queensland is home to many bands who are gaining significant recognition across Australia. Bayjah, an Innisfail band, has recently been funded through the Backing Indigenous Arts Program to record new albums, and will be touring to Woodford Folk Festival in Bayjah means Native Ginger, and is a four piece band led by singer songwriter, Jerry Surah. Fade To Black, a five piece Cairns-based band, also received funding to record new music. Indigenous hip hop artist SeeBreez, who was MC at the UMI Arts Indigenous Markets, has been funded by the Regional Arts Fund to travel to Woodford as the leading act for Brisbane-based band Indigenous Intrudaz.UMI Arts congratulates all the musicians for their success, and looks forward to the launch of their new albums. QAHC s Vision is: a Queensland where all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people achieve the best possible health and well-being and participate fully in the life of communities, free from stigma and discrimination. An exhibition of artworks resulting from the workshops will be launched at the UMI Arts gallery space at 5.30pm on Friday 5th March, Bayjah band at UMI Arts Markets Participant in Yupla Mipla Ahfla art workshop SeeBreez 5

6 Exhibition Ready Program 2009 Each month UMI Arts showcases the work of our member artists, through the Exhibition Ready Program. This is a skills based program designed for artists preparing works for exhibition and sale. The UMI Arts Exhibition Ready Program, supports artists through each step of gallery exhibition preparation, presentation and promotion, culminating in a 4-week exhibition at UMI Arts gallery space in Cairns.. photo: gertrude ygosse lea ambrum-stevens Lea Ambrum-Stevens first solo exhibition From the Land, Through the Rainforest, To the Sea opened at the UMI Arts gallery space on 4th December. Lea presented an innovative exhibition, installing her paintings around the walls at various different levels to illustrate the transitions of the natural environment from land to sea. The artworks brought the animals and their habitats to life, and told the stories of the her people. Lea was commended by many at her opening for her unique style, and also for her talents in writing as shown in the beautiful stories that accompanied her work. At sunset the brolga raises its head towards the sinking sun and opens out his wings in a shaking motion. To me, it seems he is grateful for the day he has just lived. Lea Ambrum-Stevens. Lea Ambrum-Stevens Marilyn Kepple Marilyn Kepple s exhibition A Collection of Short Stories was launched on 9th September. The exhibition was dedicated to Marylin s Mother, and the stories of the paintings reflected the memories and stories Marilyn shared during her times on country with her mother around Coen. The Exhibition Ready program was a very positive experience for Marilyn who has gone on to undertake a residency at New Flames, and an exhibition at Canopy Artspace in Cairns. Marilyn Kepple with Renee at BBM Yowane Namaibai Yowane Namaibai s exhibition Exploring New Horizons presented a series of paintings that reflect his connections to both Boigu Island and Central Arnhem Land. Yowane had numerous sales on the opening night, 6th November, and attracted a record crowd including his whole touch football team who came to celebrate his efforts. UMI Arts was very proud to welcome visitors from both the NT and TSI including his grand parents, Senior Elder of Rembarrnga Tribe, Ewen Martin, and Eileen Cummings who is research associate at CDU. Through the Exhibition Ready program Yowane was able to explore and extend his connections to his family, culture and country. He was able to develop his profile and learnt his skin name, totems and many of his cultural connections. As a fifteen year old with much talent, strength and vision, Yowane certainly has a very positive career ahead of him. Yowane Namaibai Crocodile Derek Rosendale Derek Rosendale is preparing an exhibition of lino prints which will open on Friday, 5th February Derek grew up in Hope Vale speaking the language of his mother s people. He has chosen to create images based on a story that will later be transformed into a bi-lingual story book for children. 6 Derek Rosendale and his daughter Derek s project stems from his commitment to cultural maintenance and his connection to country. Derek explains, My artworks are heavily influenced by the spirituality of my people. I was never taught to paint in the traditional fashion but I draw my inspiration from the stories and depictions of the many spirit creatures and entities that inhabit the country of the Guguu Yimithir and Guguu Yalanji peoples. I was told many of the stories of these spirit beings by my tribal Grandfathers and other Elders while growing up in this region.

7 UMI Arts Indigenous Markets UMI Arts, in partnership with the Cairns Regional Council, recently worked with the local Cairns Indigenous community to implement an Indigenous market place in the heart of Cairns. The UMI Arts Indigenous Markets were held on the last Friday of each month from June through to October, The location was on the northern side of the lagoon on the Cairns Esplanade. The Markets featured local Indigenous market stalls, music, dance, theatre, customs and traditions. The Indigenous Markets provided a platform for emerging artists in all art forms to showcase, exhibit and perform, on a monthly basis, throughout the year at an easily accessible venue. Its focus was on authentic, traditional as we can get arts, crafts and performances. The Markets showcased local traditional dance from the Gulumba Dance Company, Baiwa Dance Company, Mayee Wumba (Kuranda) and the guys from Pamagirri Rainforestation. Garth Murgha at his Native Creations stall. Traditional Owner, Seith Fourmile and the Gimuy Waddama Dancers, performed a traditional welcome to country at each Market. Many local Indigenous bands participated including Late Notice, Fade to Black, Greg and Tyrone Drahm (who performed a beautiful father son act), and Bayjah who came up from Innisfail and jammed each Market. The Scratch it up crew tore it up each month with hip hop performances by Indigenous hip hop act Kikz n Mercy, GuttaKlass feat SeeBreez did their thang. In August the Markets were a part of the Festival Cairns celebrations. These Markets weren t all about tourism they were set up as a meeting place for locals, and a platform to showcase the ATSI community and an opportunity for our local indigenous people to perform on a monthly basis. Swinging Alley Cats UMI Arts would like to thank all our stall holders, performers and volunteers for helping to keep culture strong for our Indigenous mob from the Far North Queensland area. A BIG BIG thank you to Les Drahm, Smithy Lui and Isaac Ryan for all their hard work and dedication to help make the Markets such a success. The UMI Arts Indigenous Markets for 2010 will kick off on Friday 28th May. If you would like to be part of this exciting event, either as an artist, stall holder, performer or volunteer, or would like to know more, please contact UMI Arts. Renee Harris Mata-bala Markets Sale at UMI Arts Gallery Due to popular demand the UMI Arts Market artists and stallholders will be back in January with a diverse range of their items for sale at the UMI Arts gallery space. The exhibition will be launched with a big celebration for all of the markets participants, and the general public on Friday, 22nd January The Sale will continue until Wednesday 3rd February Pamagirri Dancers 7

8 photo: gertrude ygosse Lea Ambrum-Stevens and her sisters Yvonne, Monica and Janice Darryl Harris with Yowane Namaibai and family at his opening Roy, Thelma and Darryl at Christmas Party Renee and Pamagirri dancers Renee with Bayjah band members TAFE performing arts students promote non-smoking Renee and Madeleine at Darryl and Janet at Christmas party Pelican Camp, Elim Beach Eileen Cumming, Ewen Martin, Yowane Namaibai and Renee at BBM Marilyn Kepple and family at her exhibition launch Calendar of Events UMI Arts office reopens 9am 4th January, th January 3rd February 2010, UMI Markets Showcase Sale at UMI Arts gallery space 5th February 3rd March 2010, Derek Rosendale exhibition 5th March 7th April 2010, Yupla Mipla Ahfla UMI Arts Membership Application form UMI Arts is an Indigenous not for profit public company. Memberships are welcomed from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations who have a connection to Far North Queensland. Membership is free Artist s Name: Clan/Language Group/Country: How are you connected to the area? (Eg. My mother is a Coen Woman) Organisations Name (If joining as an Organisation and not an Individual) Postal Address: Residential Address: Home Phone: Work Phone: 8 Mobile Phone: Artform / Occupation (please tick ) Arts & Crafts Musician Performer Photographer Choreographer Art Centre co-ordinator Arts consultant Writer Web designer Graphic designer Stage manager Sound Tech MC Artistic Director Arts worker Membership category (please tick one ) A. Indigenous Artist B. Indigenous Arts Centre or Organisation Application date: Please complete and return memberships applications to: UMI Arts, PO Box 1100, North Cairns Qld 4870 : Fax: (07) : admin@umiarts.com.au Or you can visit the UMI Arts office: 2/151 Martyn Street, Parramatta Park, Cairns Qld printed on plantation paper using SOY-based inks