Contents. Introduction... 1 UMI Arts Vision & Mission... 2 Vision Statement... 2 Mission Statement... 2

Transcription

1 YOU AND ME STRENGTHENING OUR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL PRACTICES Erub (Darnley Island) australia BADU Island Waiben (Thursday Island) *Art Hub Art Centres and Hubs of Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait Lara Fuji Beading, UMI Arts Exhibition Ready program participant Arrival at Badu Island Ceferino Sabatino and Niece, UMI Arts Exhibition Ready program participant Weipa *Art Hub Kowanyama Baby Festival New Beginnings exhibition at UMI Arts gallery space. Margaret Mara (nee de Jersey) Season on the Cape acrylic on canvas Lockhart River Aurukun UMI Arts visits Lockhart River Max Berkoff hands over Hope Vale Arts and Cultural Centre Keys to Chairperson Roy McIvor pormpuraaw Baiwa Dance Company at UMI Arts Indigenous Markets Kowanyama Cape York Art Award, Laura Festival Hope Vale Priscilla Major at Kowanyama Baby Festival laura Wujal Wujal Mornington Island Mossman Gorge UMI Arts Development Officer Troy Dennis and artist Ceferino Sabatino on UMI Arts Hour BBM Radio 98.7FM Cairns *UMI ARTS Yarrabah Les Drahm at UMI Arts Indigenous Markets UMI Arts visits Wujal Wujal Mona Mona Field Trip Annual Report As at August 2009 Cardwell Gertrude Ygosse, UMI Arts Exhibition Ready Participant UMI Arts Exhibition Ready participants showcased at Dreaming Festival

2 Contents Introduction... 1 UMI Arts Vision & Mission... 2 Vision Statement... 2 Mission Statement... 2 Chairperson s Report... 3 Executive Officer s Report... 4 UMI Arts Business... 5 UMI Arts 3-year Business Plan... 5 UMI Arts Operational Plan - An Overview Program Funding Partners Marketing Initiatives Stories Business Objectives... 5 UMI Arts Statistical Data... 6 UMI Arts Board of Directors... 7 Details of Staff & Staff Structure... 8 UMI Arts Staff... 8 UMI Arts Organisational Structure... 8 The Money Story... 8 Definition of our Stakeholders... 8 Funding Partners... 8 Strengthening Culture Story... 9 Big Nest Scrub Turkey + Arts Hub... 9 Advocacy Role... 9 Cultural Tourism... 9 Arts Queensland BIA Strategic Development... 9 Peak Indigenous Arts Partnerships... 9 The National Agenda... 9 Membership Creation Story UMI Arts Exhibition Ready Program & Exhibition Program UMI Arts Indigenous Markets Field Trips & Community Activities Torres Strait Islands Field Trip Mona Mona Field Trip Hope Vale Field Trips Festivals & Events NAIDOC Week Tank Market Day Carnival on Collins Kowanyama Baby Festival The Dreaming Cape York Art Award, Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival, Speaking Up & Out Story (Marketing and Promotion) Marketing Strategy Context Strategic Marketing Goals Newsletters BBM Radio Marketing Materials Communications and Development Officer Conclusion Thank You to our Supporters Photo Gallery

3 UMI Arts Vision & Mission 2 The Board of Directors determined that the focus of UMI s efforts should be cultural activities more broadly, rather than just visual art. This reflects the Indigenous perspective of culture as a holistic concept and has resulted in a shift by the Board away from using the term art to a greater use of culture instead to incorporate art into a wider range of cultural activities and diversity of artforms. Vision Statement UMI Arts is recognised for strengthening our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Far North Queensland and leading a strong cultural economy. Mission Statement To operate an Indigenous organisation that assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to: Participate in the maintenance, preservation and protection of cultural identity; Support the passing on of knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures between generations and communities; Promote and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultural practices; Guide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practitioners in Far North Queensland along pathways to success; and Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural economic development in Far North Queensland.

4 Introduction UMI Arts is the peak Indigenous arts and cultural organisation for Far North Queensland. UMI Arts is a not-for-profit company managed by an all Indigenous Board of Directors. UMI Arts Ltd (UMI Arts) was established in February 2005 to provide support for Indigenous artists, art centres and art projects in Far North Queensland. The organisation emerged as a result of an expressed need through community, government and Indigenous art centre consultations, for support for the diverse and geographically scattered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practitioners/artists in this region. Based in Cairns, UMI Arts works with Indigenous Art Centres, communities and individual artists in a region that extends north to the Torres Strait, south to Cardwell, west to Camooweal and includes Mornington and Bentinck Islands and the Mt Isa and Gulf Regions. UMI Arts is nationally recognised as one of only 4 Australia-wide Indigenous peak organisations, the others being DesArt, Ananguku Arts and ANKAAA. Indigenous culture is a holistic concept incorporating a range of cultural activities and diversity of art forms. Therefore, UMI Arts supports cultural activities across all forms, including visual arts/craft, music, dance, language and lore. Many of UMI Arts programs operate in community and are about capacity building and developing artists and performers as both professional practitioners and active participants in community cultural development. UMI Arts programs all aim to engage, motivate, occupy and inspire and to promote a sense of relevance, confidence and interest through learning, doing, creating and collaborating. The increased need for an Indigenous Peak Body in Far North Queensland to support professional artists and art centres, and to facilitate community cultural development and community revitalisation, coupled with an ever increasing acknowledgement of the importance of Australian Indigenous cultures, has seen the role of UMI Arts grow with ever increasing momentum. Over the past year, UMI Arts has proven its ability to develop partnerships, strengthen engagement (locally, in Far North Queensland communities and at a state and national level), and deliver a program that is grounded in good financial management, strong Board governance and the effective application of human resources and marketing strategies. The name UMI Arts is derived from a Creole word umi, which literally means you and me and is used in different parts of the region. The name UMI Arts is significant because it suggests people coming together to move forward, rather than struggling independently. UMI Arts believes that together, You & Me can keep our culture strong. 3 Chairperson s Report Over the past 12 months, UMI Arts continued to grow and strengthen its position as the peak Indigenous arts and cultural organisation for Far North Queensland. In July, our first full time Executive Officer, Janet Parfenovics, joined our Business Manager, Darryl Harris and Administrator, Renee Harris, to bring a new energy and focus to the organisation. As the Executive Officer, Janet has brought many years of experience working in the visual arts in Australia and overseas. Formerly the General Manager of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney and CEO of the Centre of Contemporary Arts, Cairns, Janet also has considerable senior management experience, as well as a passion for supporting the vision and mission of UMI Arts. Also in July, UMI Arts appointed its inaugural Development Officers Visual Arts and Craft. Troy Dennis and Earl Rosas both joined UMI Arts in this shared position and together they have developed and delivered UMI Arts first annual program of events, both in Cairns and in a number of communities in Far North Queensland. This year we also welcomed two new Directors to the Board of UMI Arts Henrietta Fourmile-Marrie and Leo Akee. Other Directors of UMI Arts are Alberta Hornsby (Deputy Chair), Roy McIvor and Priscilla Major. In August 2008, the Directors of UMI Arts completed an intensive 12 month Business Planning and Governance Mentoring Project that was conducted by Creative Economy. We thank the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (Indigenous Small Business Fund) for financially supporting this important skills development program. UMI Arts gratefully acknowledges the continued support of its funding partners, including the Australia Council and Arts Queensland (VACS) and the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (NACIS). Over the past 12 months, UMI Arts has continued to fulfill its role of advocacy, including input into the development of the proposed Indigenous Australian Art Commercial Code of Conduct, the 2009 Cultural Tourism Strategy for Tropical North Queensland and the Queensland Government s Arts Industry Sector Development Plan On behalf of the Board of UMI Arts, I would like to take this opportunity of thanking our staff for their commitment and dedication and to thank our Members for the support they continue to give to UMI Arts. It is important to UMI Arts that we respect doing all things OUR Way, that we listen to our Elders and learn our stories so that we can share them with our young ones. UMI Arts is committed to supporting pathways to success and with the support of our staff, our Directors and our funding bodies we look forward to another exciting and fulfilling year ahead. Lisa Michl, Chairperson (June 2009)

5 Executive Officer s Report 4 At the outset I would like to acknowledge and thank UMI Arts Directors, Staff, Members, Art Centres and Funding Bodies for their advice, guidance and support during my first year as Executive Officer. It has been an exciting and challenging year, with many highlights and accomplishments that I believe we can all look back on with a real sense of pride and achievement. In , UMI Arts developed and delivered its first annual program of activities. All UMI Arts activities, support the vision and mission of the organisation and aim to: support the passing on of knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures between generations and communities; Promote and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultural practices; guide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practitioners in Far North Queensland along pathways to success; and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural economic development in Far North Queensland. The first 12-month operational plan focused on developing and delivering programs that addressed the needs and aspirations of our major stakeholders, whilst fulfilling funding partners stated objectives of supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts and crafts. Specifically, the Operational Plan identified new programs that were aimed at supporting individual Indigenous member artists, communities and arts centres, and our local community. Our two Development Officers, Troy and Earl undertook a number of field trips into communities including Kowanyama, Mona Mona, Hope Vale and Badu Island. Outcomes were focused around UMI Arts inaugural artists skills development program, called Exhibition Ready. Over the course of the year, we worked with 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, each of whom participated in the Exhibition Ready program. The outcome for each artist was a 4-week exhibition in the newly created UMI Arts gallery space in our offices in Cairns. During the year I was pleased to have the opportunity of visiting a number of communities and Arts Centres in our region, including Wujal Wujal, Hope Vale, Cooktown, Coen, Laura, Lockhart River and Weipa. I would like to thank these communities for their warm welcome and willingness to share ideas about ways in which to support arts and culture in Far North Queensland. During the year, we also identified a real interest in and need for an activity in Cairns that could bring our local artists, musicians, performers, dancers and cultural practitioners together, to showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture, positively and with pride. After many months of discussion and investigation, the first UMI Arts Markets were launched on the Cairns Esplanade in June 2009, and in collaboration with the Cairns Regional Council. For UMI Arts, the month of June was an extraordinary time and the culmination of our first full year of programmed events and activities. From 5-8 June UMI staff participated in the annual Dreaming Festival, with an exhibition of works by all the artists that had participated in our Exhibition Ready Program. Less than 2 weeks later, we all attended the biennial Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival where we coordinated the installation and display of the 2nd oldest Indigenous art prize in Australia the Cape York Art Award. Then 3 days later it was all stops out for the launch of our first UMI Arts Markets in Cairns. Over the year, we have had some staff changes, with Earl leaving us to pursue a career in Indigenous health and Madeleine Challender joining us as our first Communications & Development Officer. The coming year will see some staff restructuring with an increased emphasis on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music and dance as well as an increased focus on working with the Art Centres in our region. As always, it is the knowledge, wisdom and understanding of the Directors of UMI Arts that makes our work possible at UMI Arts and I would like to particularly thank them for so willingly sharing their ideas and aspirations with all our staff. We hope that you will enjoy reading our annual report for the year ended 30th June 2009 and that you will continue to support UMI Arts in our vision for strengthening Indigenous arts and culture in Far North Queensland. Janet Parfenovics Executive Officer (June 2009)

6 UMI Arts Business UMI Arts 3-year Business Plan UMI Arts 3-Year Business Plan includes an on-going program of exhibitions, artists skills-development programs, and strategies for engaging with Cairns-based Indigenous communities as well as the Art Centres and communities of Far North Queensland. It also includes strategies for strengthening partnerships with other national peak Indigenous organisations, Government agencies, our local Council, schools, libraries, Cape PCYC and other Indigenous community and arts organisations. In addition, UMI Arts will coordinate cultural development programs creating opportunities for Indigenous artists, community groups and organisations to develop and deliver arts activities within their local communities. UMI Arts programs will encourage cultural economic enrichment of Indigenous communities and artists, through building opportunities for arts practitioners and cultural groups to access professional development opportunities, and to showcase their art forms locally and nationally, in relevant and appropriate contexts. Most importantly, the 3-year Business Plan identifies the need to progressively and sustainably develop strategies and funding to support an all-of-culture direction for the company, using new project-based initiatives to develop a framework, and community skills base, to sustain ongoing programs to support music, dance and language-lore. The annual programs of UMI Arts demonstrate strategies for strengthening community cultural development based on cultural maintenance and doing things the proper way. UMI Arts Operational Plan an Overview In , UMI Arts embarked on its first annual calendar of programmed events, based on a 3-tiered strategy: Engagement with FNQ communities and Art Centres; Engagement with and skills development for individual Indigenous artists; and Engagement with local communities. Due to funding requirements, all programs had a visual arts and craft emphasis. In addition, UMI Arts identified the need to incorporate use of language and inter-generational transfer of knowledge in all activities and events. Components of the Program included: Exhibition Ready program for individual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists; Development Officers working with Kowanyama, Mona Mona and Hope Vale (as the 3 identified communities for the 12 month period); Community consultation to ascertain the most appropriate way of engaging with the local community (subsequently identified to be the UMI Arts Markets); and Festivals and Events including The Dreaming Festival, Laura Biennial Festival, and NAIDOC. The Program was supported by the following marketing initiatives: Weekly UMI Arts Hour program on BBM Radio 98.7FM; Quarterly UMI Arts Newsletter; Regular media releases with resulting print media coverage in the Cairns Post; Torres News, Koori Mail and Cairns Sun; Monthly exhibition openings; umi Indigenous Markets brochure; and umi Arts web splash page with downloadable information (Cape York Art Award, Newsletters, UMI Arts Market application form and UMI Arts Membership form). In addition, UMI acknowledged the importance of maintaining regular face-to-face and phone contact with its key funding partners: DEWHA (NACIS) Australia Council (ATSIAB) Arts Queensland (BIA) UMI Arts is now well positioned with its funding partners who acknowledge UMI Arts as the peak Indigenous arts and cultural organisation for Far North Queensland. In 2009, UMI Arts employed its first Development Officers (a shared position) and first full-time Business Manager and Executive Officer. In March 2009, the UMI Arts Board reviewed the Operational Plan and identified that over 90% of planned actions were achieved and on a timely basis. At the same meeting UMI Arts Directors approved the new 3-year Business Plan for This has lead to the development of the annual Operational Plan for This Plan includes some new pilot projects - others are existing Programs that have been modified or changed to better suit the needs of our constituency. The Operational Plan is made up of the following Stories, supported by various Activities and Programs: Stories (Strategies) 1. umi Business 2. Big Nest Scrub Turkey (UMI Arts accommodation/ Cairns Indigenous Arts Hub) 3. strengthening Culture Story (Strategic Alliances & Partnerships Program) 4. Creation Story (Artistic Program) 5. speaking Up and Out Story (Marketing & Profiling Strategy) Business Objectives The Business Plan lays the strategic foundation for the realisation of six key objectives. These objectives are identified as goals in the operational plan. 1. Keeping culture strong. 2. Operating UMI Arts as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and controlled cultural enterprise. 3. Maintaining a sustainable cultural enterprise. 4. strengthening all forms of Indigenous cultural practice. 5. supporting business development and the professional development of Indigenous cultural practitioners of Far North Queensland. 6. Marketing and promoting the arts and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practitioners of Far North Queensland. 5

7 UMI Arts Statistical Data 6 Comparisons between and Number of UMI Arts Board Directors Annual Report (4) Lisa Michl, Alberta Hornsby, Roy McIvor, Priscilla Major (6) Lilsa Michl, Alberta Hornsby, Roy McIvor, Priscilla Major, Henrietta Fourmile-Marrie, Leo Akee (0) (1) Category A UMI Arts Memberships Number of Permanent UMI Arts Staff (EFT s) (100) (154) (1.8) Acting EO/ Business Manager; Administrator (5) EO; Business Manager; 2 x Development Officers (shared); Administrator; Communications Manager UMI Arts Touring Exhibitions UMI Arts Exhibitions (selfmanaged) Other exhibitions held at UMI Arts (0) (1) Exhibition Ready at Dreaming Festival (0) (7) Exhibition Ready Program (1) Caring for Country (2) Jettison Wove, New Beginnings UMI Arts Newsletters UMI Arts DVD s Radio media Media coverage (newspapers) (1) Issue 2 (4) Issues 3, 4, 5 & 6 (1) Big Talk One Fire (2) UMI Profile; Kowanyama Baby Festival (4) BBM and ABC (42) BBM (weekly) and ABC (4) Cairns Post, Koorie Mail; Courier Mail (19) Cairns Post, Cairns Sun, Torres Strait News, Koorie Mail Major UMI Arts event Community Events Community Field trips (1) Big Talk One Fire (0) (0) (1) UMI Arts Markets, Cairns (0) (10) Kowanyama; 2 x Mona Mona; Hope Vale; Wujal Wujal, Coen; Laura; Lockhart River; Wiepa; Badu Island Partnership projects UMI Arts facilitated Workshops FNQ Art Centre projects (1) Artists in the Black (6) Red Cross; KOCA; FRC; Dept of Communities; Cairns Regional Council; MAGSQ (1) Artists in the Black (2) Curatorial/ conservation workshop (Jettison Wove); Fieldworx (Big Talk One Fire) (1) IACOR Resource Manual (2) Our Place Our Way Rescource Manual; draft Indigenous Aboriginal Art Commercial Code of Conduct

8 UMI Arts Board of Directors One of the greatest strengths of UMI Arts is its all Indigenous Board of Directors. Each of the Directors has participated in an intensive governance-training program, delivered by Creative Economies in and each actively participates in their respective communities, whether as a cultural practitioner, in the social justice system, local government, or as a Traditional Owner BOARD OF DIRECTORS Name: Lisa Michl Board Position: Chairperson Brief Resume: Lisa Michl is a Kokoberrin woman, from Inkerman country, Cape York Peninsula, and descendent from a strong line of Aboriginal women. Her bush name Komanggén was passed on to Lisa by her great grandfather, a senior Kokoberrin man. Lisa is Chairperson of UMI Arts and is a professional artist who exhibits nationally and internationally. Name: Alberta Hornsby Board Position: Deputy Director Brief Resume: Alberta Hornsby was born in Hope Vale, and is a Bulgun Warra, Angamuthi and Ganggalida Woman, who now lives in Cooktown. Alberta is one of the founders of the Hopevale Arts & Cultural Centre. Name: Roy McIvor Board Position: Director Brief Resume: Roy McIvor is from the Guugu Yimithirr tribe, and was born at Cape Bedford Mission. He grew up in Woorabinda, after his family was forcibly removed from the mission. Roy moved back to Hope Vale in 1950 and since then he has been an active artist in his community. Name: Henrietta Fourmile-Marrie Board Position: Director Brief Resume: Henrietta is from the Gimuy Clan of the Yidindji Nation growing up in Yarrabah outside of Cairns. Henrietta currently serves as a Program Officer at the Christensen Fund. Previously, Henrietta served as a United Nations Program Officer at the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity where she was responsible for issues related to traditional knowledge and Article 8j of the Convention. Henrietta holds a Diploma of Teaching (South Australian College of Advanced Education), a Graduate Diploma of Arts (University of South Australia) and a Masters of Environmental and Local Government Law (Macquarie University). Henrietta has published widely on Aboriginal cultural heritage, the arts and natural resource management and lives in Gordonvale. Each Director brings to the Board a wealth of cultural knowledge and a shared commitment to supporting the staff in the delivery of UMI Arts annual programs and activities. By 2010 UMI Arts plans to expand the Board to 10 members and to build representation across the broad region that UMI Arts reaches. The Company s Auditors are Wedrat Chartered Accountants. Name: Leo Akee Board Position: Director Brief Resume: Leo is currently the District Manager, Education Queensland/DETA and has been a Councillor of the Torres Shire Council ( ) and Deputy Mayor of the Torres Strait ( ). Leo has sat on many national committees and Boards, including the Australia Council National Indigenous Advisory Reference Group, Australian Indigenous Training Advisory Council, Regional Employment Taskforce, Torres Strait Regional Managers Forum and TAFE College Council. Leo is a composer and entertainer, cultural dancer, musician, artist and wood carver and has 30 years experience in the arts. Name: Priscilla Major Board Position: Director Brief Resume: Ma Cheltrulalie, Priscilla Major is a Traditional woman from the Kokoberra peoples on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula. The Kokoberra are the Traditional Owners for the Mitchell River area including the Aboriginal community of Kowanyama. Name: Darryl Harris Board Position: Company Secretary Brief Resume: Finance Officer for over 15 years with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander organisations. Experience in all aspects of financial management, including financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, liaison with auditors and facilitation of financial audits, compliance with ATO and ASIC requirements, and monitoring performance against budget. 15 years experience in Branch Banking, leasing, securities/ mortgage documentation. Company Secretary, Treasurer/Secretary and Board Director experience for over 25 years. 7

9 8 UMI Arts Staff & Staff Structure UMI Arts Staff: The Operational Plan was delivered by UMI Arts full and part-time staff: Executive Officer: Janet Parfenovics (July 08 - ) Full time Business Manager: Darryl Harris (March 08 - ) Full time Development Officer Visual Art: Earl Rosas (July 08 - April 09) Part time Development Officer Visual Art: Troy Dennis (July 08 - July 09) Part time Administrator: Renee Harris (March 08 - ) Full time Communications & Development Officer: Madeleine Challender (June 09 - ) Full time The Money Story UMI Arts is a not-for-profit company and has Deductible Gift Recipient status. UMI operates on a fiscal year however its major funding partners operate on a calendar year. The Annual Report and UMI Arts operational budgets are prepared on a fiscal year basis. One of UMI Arts key objectives is to be financially sustainable and the 3-year plan provides for new initiatives that will build further revenue streams and reserves. In the long term, UMI Arts seeks to be more self sufficient and less reliant on government grants. The Directors of UMI Arts have undertaken extensive governance training and are always familiar with the financial operations of the company. The Board meets at least six times a year however, all financial reports are prepared at month-end. To date the organisation s audit reports have all been unqualified. Definition of our Stakeholders UMI arts recognises the following stakeholders: Indigenous artists and cultural workers practicing across art forms; Indigenous communities, including youth (local and remote); Indigenous Art Centres; Indigenous community organisations, youth organisations; Indigenous members, artists and cultural practitioners; Funding partners; Industry professionals, business & economic development sector; and Members of the local community, and tourists. UMI Arts Organisational Structure 2009/2010 The structure has been revised due to funding decisions in 2009 that preclude the appointment of full time Development Officers. In , UMI Arts will contract Indigenous practitioners in dance, music and language, to develop a number of pilot projects that further strengthen the reach of the organisation as the peak Indigenous arts and cultural organisation for Far North Queensland. We anticipate that the development of these pilot projects will lead to future ongoing programs in all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Funding Partners UMI Arts receives triennial VACS funding through the Australia Council for the Arts and Arts Queensland and annual funding from the Dept of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. In , UMI Arts successfully applied for one off-funding from the Community Gambling Fund for the purchase of a 4-wheel drive vehicle, which will assist UMI staff working in communities. In , UMI Arts also received a one-off project grant from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board of the Australia Council towards costs associated with mounting UMI Arts signature event, the Big Talk One Fire cultural summit in Cairns. The next summit will be held in 2010 and will be a biennial event in UMI Arts calendar of activities. UMI Arts Organisational Structure 2009/10 Position Project Communications & Development (F/T) Exhibition Ready Program Indigenous Art Centre Strategy Big Talk One Fire 2010 Board of Directors Executive Officer (F/T) Administrator/ Development (F/T) UMI Markets/ BBM UMI Hour Music Pilot Business Manager (F/T) Cultural Tourism Project Dance Pilot

10 Strengthening Culture Story Big Nest Scrub Turkey + Arts Hub In UMI Arts received one-off funding from Backing Indigenous Arts (Arts Queensland) to develop a Terms of Reference for a tender process to progress the concept of an Indigenous Arts Hub in Cairns, along the lines of an art centre. Over the past 12-months, UMI Arts has been in negotiation with Arts Queensland to review the original premise that was based on findings from the Not Selling Cakes Report (2006). Meanwhile, UMI Arts has identified an urgent need for its own premises (Big Nest) that will provide much needed space and facilities to meet the needs of cultural practitioners and allow the organisation to more appropriately support and showcase all aspects of Far North Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Options are currently being explored by the parties. Advocacy Role Over the past 12-months UMI Arts has been invited to input into a number of State and federal policies and strategies: Indigenous Australian Art Commercial Code of Conduct In 2008, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board of the Australia Council invited UMI Arts to participate in an Industry Alliance Group (IAG), for the purposes of drafting an Indigenous Australian Art Commercial Code of Conduct (IACCC). The need for a Code was identified as part of the 2007 Senate Report Indigenous Art Securing the Future. The purpose of the Code is to promote fair and ethical trade with artists, transparency in the promotion and sale of artwork and a fair and equitable dispute resolution system for disputes arising under the Code. After exhaustive national consultation the Code is now in its final draft and UMI Arts welcomed the invitation to participate in this process. Cultural Tourism UMI Arts was invited to participate in two key strategies aimed at strengthening Indigenous cultures in the region. In early 2009 Cairns Regional Council consulted with cultural organisations, including UMI Arts, to develop a cultural plan for the region ( ). UMI s participation is reflected in a number of new initiatives now identified within the Council s Cultural Plan. UMI Arts was also invited to input into the drafting of the Tropical North Queensland Cultural Tourism Strategy developed by Kleinhardt Consultants. The document identifies quantifiable objectives and strategies for both infrastructure and resources that securely position Indigenous cultures within the broader cultural tourism strategy for the region. Arts Queensland BIA Strategy Development In May 2009, and at the invitation of the UMI Board of Directors, officers of Arts Queensland met with UMI Arts Directors to identify issues and desirable outcomes from Arts Queensland Backing Indigenous Arts Strategy. These discussions have resulted in a desire for the two organisations to work together with potential transitioning of current BIA projects to UMI Arts over coming years. Desirable outcomes include the strengthening of BIA funding beyond the initial 4-year strategy. Peak Indigenous Arts Partnerships Following on from the successful launch of the IACOR project UMI Arts is now well positioned to explore initiatives and strategies for a coordinated approach on issues of common concern with its peer peak Indigenous organisations that includes Desart, ANKAAA and Ananguku Arts. One such initiative was the Indigenous Art Centre s Operational Resource (IACOR), Go Hunting project, which is an innovative online resource of up to date best practice information for Indigenous Art Centres. This resource is available to all members of the four leading peak bodies: DesArt, ANKAAA, Ananguku Arts and UMI Arts. The IACOR project is an invaluable resource tool for all Indigenous Arts Centres, as it offers best-practice information and examples specifically for arts and business. Indigenous Art Centres nurture some of Australia s most recognised artists with very limited resources. Go Hunting s purpose is to provide Indigenous Art Centres with a single source of secure, quality, relevant and easily accessible information. Through this resource, it is possible for Art Centres to increase their capacity to operate effective, efficient and successful Indigenous owned Art Centres, ensuring sustainability, vitality and creativity. The Go Hunting project was officially launched on the 15th of August, 2008, in Darwin. There are a number of new projects that UMI Arts hopes to develop over the coming years, in collaboration with these organisations, as part of our role as the peak body in Far North Queensland. The National Agenda UMI Arts continues to seek opportunities for inputting into the national agenda, through participation on advisory groups such as the ATSIAB s Indigenous Arts Group, and through representation to Ministers, Government agencies and departments at all levels of Government. The Board of UMI Arts has identified the need to strengthen and promote the profile of UMI Arts as the peak Indigenous organisation for Far North Queensland, to ensure that the interests of Aboriginal 9

11 10 and Torres Strait Islander artists are embedded into national policies and strategies. As the eyes of the arts world are increasingly turning to Far North Queensland, now is the time for UMI Arts to further position itself as the lead agency for Indigenous artists, cultural practitioners, arts centres and cultural organisations. This strategy is embedded in UMI Arts 3-year Business Plan. Membership UMI Arts welcomes membership applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations who have a connection to Far North Queensland. Membership is free. There are currently two membership categories: A. Indigenous arts practitioners with connection to Far North Queensland B. Organisations and other individuals (Indigenous or Non- Indigenous) Membership allows artists, art centres, cultural workers, organisations and community members to keep up-to-date with Indigenous arts news from across Far North Queensland and beyond, and take advantage of a range of benefits to support individual artists/cultural workers and Indigenous cultural organisations. Current benefits include: Quarterly Newsletters Invitations to exhibition openings and events Eligibility to take part in UMI Arts Exhibition Ready program Participation in the UMI Arts Markets Professional support and advice Access to IT facilities and resources for career development Promotion through BBM 98.7FM Connection to the national network of Indigenous Peak Bodies In UMI Arts gained 54 new members, a 50% increase over the previous year.

12 Creation Story (Artistic Program) UMI Arts Exhibition Ready Program & Exhibitions Program Since September 2008, and as part of its annual program of activities, UMI Arts showcased the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists through its Exhibition Ready Program. Ten artists were supported through the program, which included each artist exhibiting in the newly created UMI Arts gallery space in Cairns. Exhibition Ready is a skills-based program designed for artists at any stage of their career 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 conjunction with the Exhibition Ready program, UMI Arts formed partnerships with other arts development organisations to promote cultural development activities around the region. Museum and Gallery Services Queensland facilitated a series of contemporary weaving workshops in Cairns for local artists. The workshops culminated in the launch of the FNQ tour of the Jettison Wove exhibition at the UMI Arts gallery space, as well as an art-handing workshop for Art Centre managers participating in the exhibition tour. New Beginnings a collection of new work from artists who had undergone training programs through the Western Cape Indigenous Arts Hub, also featured at the UMI Arts Gallery space in UMI Arts is developing a comprehensive Exhibition Ready manual, designed to be a valuable resource to support the goals of individual artists and Art Centres alike. In 2009 UMI Arts is working towards extending the Exhibition Ready program to remote communities to support the operations of Indigenous Art Centres. UMI Arts Indigenous Markets On Friday 26th June, UMI Arts launched its first UMI Arts Indigenous Markets a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, crafts, performance, dance, music and food. The Markets are held on the Cairns Esplanade and are a regular event from 4pm 9pm on the last Friday of every month, from June to October, The UMI Arts Indigenous Markets are primarily designed as a community engagement strategy, to build participation of the local Indigenous population in cultural development initiatives, and raise the profile of UMI Arts and the communities it represents to the wider population. The Markets provide employment and skills development opportunities for Indigenous artists, musicians and performers as well as stage/event coordinators. With sales returns going directly to the stall holders, the Markets are also designed as a way to support local arts and crafts people, and to promote cultural tourism and economic cultural development in the region. The Markets have successfully raised the profile of numerous arts practitioners in the community and also strengthened our community networks, particularly in music and dance. In 2010 we hope to see this event become one of Cairns highlight events, and a significant opportunity for local Indigenous practitioners to showcase their unique talents. UMI Arts will continue to promote the development of this successful event, though the inclusion of new programs to promote and support music, dance and language-lore. 11

13 12 Field Trips & Community Activities UMI Arts Development Officers undertook a number of field trips and supported several community activities in These field trips provided valuable opportunities to consult with Art Centres, artists and members of the wider community, to ensure our ongoing work in community meets the needs of our stakeholders. Participation in community festivals and events has enabled us to support community driven activities and build the profile of UMI Arts throughout Far North Queensland In-community programs included field trips to Kowanyama, Mona Mona, Hope Vale and Badu Island. In addition, UMI Arts Business Manager represented UMI Arts at the official opening of the Paddy McIvor Munarra Cultural Centre Building and the Nganthanun Bamawi Bayan Gallery, Hope Vale in April, 2009 and also attended a launch of an exhibition of artists at the Wujal Wujal community. The Executive Officer conducted field trips as part of the process of explaining UMI Arts role as the peak organisation in the region. Communities visited over the past 12 months included Wujal Wujal, Hope Vale, Coen, Laura, Lockhart River and Weipa. Torres Strait Islands Field Trip In November 2008, UMI Arts Development Officers Troy Dennis and Earl Rosas travelled to the picturesque Torres Strait Islands. Troy and Earl visited the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island, and then continued by dinghy to Badu Island in the Central Island group. They were able to meet emerging Badu Island artists and had the privilege of spending an evening with the Aibai Cultural Group (Badu Island Dancers), as they rehearsed for the Australasian World Music Expo which was held in Melbourne from 20th 23rd November, Whilst on Badu Island the Development Officers also spent time with Lara Fujii, who participated in the Exhibition Ready program. Lara prepared an exquisite collection of beaded jewellery that was exhibited in the UMI Arts gallery space in March 2009, together with beautiful wood carvings and meticulous pearl shell carvings created by other Badu Island artists. The trip to the Torres Strait Islands gave Development Officers the opportunity to promote UMI Arts programs to local artists, and to gain greater insight into the cultural activities taking place in the region. Discussions with local artists and cultural workers also informed the development of future UMI Arts programs for the Torres Strait Islands region. Mona Mona Field Trip Mona Mona is situated on the Tablelands, close to Kuranda. The Mona Mona Mission was established in 1913 and disbanded in Local people have remained on the land and continue to practice traditional forms of weaving. The Mona Mona mob is known as KOCA Keeping Our Culture Alive. Mona Mona weavers coordinate regular workshops with master weavers of Far North Queensland to ensure the art of traditional weaving remains strong within both local and regional communities. On average, about 14 people camp on-site in a small tent village to participate in the weekly workshops. Participants include Indigenous people from Lockhart River, Tully and Mena Creek, as well as occasional tourists or visitors. Various bush materials such as Black palm, Lawyer cane, Lamandra Grass and dyes gathered from tree roots are still used in traditional ways to manufacture different types of baskets which were once daily necessities within the community. Some of the woven objects take months to produce and require a high level of skill to create. Artists continue to pass on knowledge through the workshops, which also provide an avenue for cultural economic development. Artists sell their works to local galleries and tourists in the region. The intricate and specialized Lawyer Cane bicorneal baskets are quite rare and command a high price. UMI Arts Development Officers Troy Dennis and Earl Rosas visited the community twice in , and have spent time with the artists discussing the community s vision for continued development of the workshops and associated activities designed to sustain the local community and culture through KOCA, Keeping Our Culture Alive. The Mona Mona weavers also featured in the photographic work of Gertrude Ygosse, who travelled with Development Officers to Mona Mona as part of the Exhibition Ready program.

14 Hope Vale Field Trips In October 2008, UMI Arts Development Officers Troy Dennis and Earl Rosas travelled to Hope Vale to meet local artists and visit the Hope Vale Arts and Cultural Centre. At this stage, the Centre was located in a temporary building, with the construction of the new Art Centre well underway. UMI Arts Business Manager Darryl Harris represented UMI Arts at the official opening of the Paddy McIvor Munarra Cultural Centre Building and the Nganthanun Bamawi Bayan Gallery, which took place on Friday, 28th April, The new Centre includes a gallery, workshop and well landscaped outdoor spaces. The modern facility is designed to showcase local arts and crafts and provide a place for community members of all ages to continue cultural practices and promote ongoing use of traditional languages. The Hope Vale Dancers performed at the opening celebrations, and Hope Vale Primary School students presented a song in language. Uncle Roy McIvor, Chairperson of the Centre and well-respected Elder, gave an inspiring speech and cut the ribbon, together with Shirley Costello and Jason O Brien, officially opening the Centre. The opening of the Centre was an important milestone for the community who have worked for several years to see the realisation of their long-term dream. The previous Boards, and Alberta Hornsby, one of the founding members of the Centre, must be acknowledged for their vision. Credit must also be given to the current Board, and Chairperson Roy McIvor, who have followed the project through to completion. NAIDOC Tanks Market Day, Tanks Art Centre, Cairns On 12th July 2008 UMI Arts contributed to the Tanks Art Centre NAIDOC celebration day, with a stall that showcased original artworks, greeting cards, jewellery, CD s and carvings. The Tanks Market Day coincided with an exhibition of artworks that were also on display in Tank 4. The exhibition included artworks by 21 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists. Carnival on Collins 2008 On 7th September the Tanks Arts Centre again organised the annual Carnival on Collins. This Festival of Cairns calendar event attracts thousands of visitors to the Collins Street, Tanks Arts Centre and Botanical Gardens precinct. UMI Arts was invited to participate with an information booth attended by UMI s two Development Officers, Troy Dennis and Earl Rosas. UMI s presence at this and other events around Cairns is an important way of continuing to raise the profile of UMI Arts as the peak Indigenous arts organisation in Far North Queensland. 13 Festivals & Events NAIDOC Week UMI Arts has a long standing commitment to supporting the annual NAIDOC celebrations in Cairns. On 11th July 2008, UMI Arts presence at Fogarty Park included a display of original artworks by Lisa Michl, Lynette Snider, Roy McIvor and Priscilla Major. Also for sale were a number of CD s by Indigenous artists, jewellery and traditional carvings. The NAIDOC celebrations in Cairns are an important way of keeping the community informed about UMI Arts activities and projects. Kowanyama Baby Festival 2008 UMI Arts was proud to be a sponsor of the 2008 Kowanyama Baby Festival: Nurturing and Celebrating Our Future Generations. Kowanyama means place of many waters and is located 10 hours drive west of Cairns. UMI Arts two Development Officers spent a week in Kowanyama and participated in the Festival which ran from 27th 28th August, The Festival is designed as a way to pass on cultural practices such as weaving and knowledge of language and country to the younger generation, and to promote the importance of identity and self. The Kowanyama Mothers and Babies Centre works to strengthen the capacity of women, children, families and communities. It promotes the benefits of traditional healing, socialisation and cultural practices and advocates for Aboriginal self-determination. The Centre works with the community to find local solutions to local problems and to encourage healthy and constructive lifestyle choices.

15 14 The Dreaming 2009 UMI Arts Chair and staff attended The Dreaming, which was held from 5th 8th June 2009 at Woodford, Queensland. The Festival provided an opportunity for UMI Arts to showcase Far North Queensland s arts activities, and artists who participated in UMI Arts Exhibition Ready program. UMI Arts presented an exhibition of over 200 pieces including: photographs by Gertrude Ygosse; linocuts by Joey Laifoo and Ceferino Sabatino; paintings by Roy McIvor, Priscilla Major, Lisa Michl and Napoleon Oui; batiks by Eva Wanganeen; beading by Lara Fujii; and gold and silver work by Lisa Michl. Touring the Exhibition Ready artists works provided additional exposure and promotion with increased sales through the exhibition. Cape York Art Award- Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival 2009 UMI Arts was invited by the Quinkan and Regional Cultural Centre to coordinate the 2009 Cape York Art Award. The Award is a highlight of the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival and is exhibited throughout the three day event which took place from 19th 21st June, The UMI Art staff travelled to Laura to convert the 10x9m marquee into an exhibition space to display the 54 artworks submitted to the Award. As a non-curated exhibition, all entries were displayed. The Cape York Art Award showcased the vibrant and diverse contemporary arts practices of Far North Queensland. The Award is open to Indigenous artists with connection to Cape York and award winners were judged by an independent panel of judges. Award winning works of art became part of the Quinkan and Regional Cultural Centre s permanent collection.

16 Speaking Up & Out Story (Marketing and Promotion) Setting the Scene As the peak body representing the Far North Queensland, and the only peak body in the eastern regions of Australia, UMI Arts is well-situated to continue to play a vital role in the development and implementation of relevant Indigenous community cultural development projects and industry development strategies. BBM Radio - UMI Arts Hour 98.7FM 15 In response to the growth of Indigenous arts industry, Far North Queensland has seen growing emphasis across community and economic development sectors to encourage the growth of cultural tourism in the region. This growing recognition and reliance on UMI Arts as peak body for Indigenous arts and culture is complemented by ongoing demand from artists in all art forms to access professional support and opportunities to promote and present culture, in relevant and appropriate ways. There is also a growing need for family and community based activities, particularly those that promote cultural diversity and celebrate Indigenous cultures. In addition to this, the demand from audiences and visitors for authentic, accessible Indigenous experiences and locally produced arts and crafts is unmet in this region. UMI Arts Marketing Strategy has been developed to address and support these needs and opportunities. Strategic Marketing Goals Our key marketing goals are to: 1. Foster increased partnerships with Art Centres, community organisations and youth organisations; 2. strengthen the participation of youth in our development activities; 3. Build local and tourist audiences to support our activities and programs; and 4. Foster increased partnerships with industry professional, government and local council agencies, and the economic and business development sector to support our programs. The first UMI Arts Hour took place in September 2008, and has continued on a weekly basis. Every Friday, from 12 noon to 1pm UMI Arts Indigenous Development Officers interview guests from around the region, showcase new and established musicians and provide information about the latest events or opportunities for Indigenous artists of Far North Queensland. In interviewed guests have included artists participating in the UMI Arts Exhibition Ready program and the UMI Arts Indigenous Markets as well as International guests and coordinators of the Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair. Music by some of our music-based members has also been featured for the region to enjoy. UMI Arts would like to thank BBM for this opportunity to showcase the art and culture of Far North Queensland. Promotional Materials UMI Arts Marketing Strategy is delivered through a variety of activities including: Newsletters UMI Arts publishes a quarterly newsletter that is distributed in hard copy to our membership and throughout regional arts, cultural and community organisations. The 8 page colour newsletter provides an opportunity to profile UMI Arts activities and programs, and to promote activities taking place in art centres and communities of Far North Queensland. In 2008 the distribution has increased from 1000 to 2500 copies. The newsletter is also published on the UMI Arts website. In 2008 UMI Arts produced a range of marketing materials and merchandise to build our community profile, and to increase public understanding of the role of UMI Arts in Far North Queensland. New merchandise was designed and produced for events such as the Dreaming Festival, Laura Festival, NAIDOC week celebrations and the UMI Arts Indigenous Markets. Communications and Development Officer In June 2009 UMI Arts employed Madeleine Challender as a Communications and Development Officer. Madeleine s projects include the UMI Arts Website, Newsletters and DVDs. She also assists in further developing the UMI Arts Exhibition Ready program, Big Talk One Fire Culture Summit and Art Centre-based community engagement projects. Madeleine has worked extensively in the field of community cultural development, arts marketing and children s art education.

17 16 Conclusion Into its 2nd year of full-time operation, UMI Arts is well positioned to further grow its role as the peak Indigenous arts and cultural organisation for the region. The wisdom, support and knowledge of UMI Arts Directors continue to shape and guide the programs and strategic development of the organisation. We thank our many stakeholders including our Members, Funding Bodies, Art Centres and communities for their support of UMI Arts and its mission to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture in Far North Queensland. Some highlights of the year 1. Mona Mona Weavers 2. Gulumba Dancers at the UMI Arts Markets, Cairns Esplanade 3. Janet at the Lockhart River Art Centre 4. Seith Fourmile, Traditional Welcome to Country at Ceferino Sabatino s exhibition at UMI Arts 5. UMI Arts exhibition at the 2009 Dreaming Festival 6. Gertrude Ygosse installing her exhibition at the UMI Arts gallery space 7. Troy and Ceferino on the UMI Arts Hour, BBM Radio 87.7 FM 8. UMI Arts Board Directors Cape York Art Award exhibition, Laura Festival UMI Arts gratefully acknowledges the support of: