Directors Cut IN THIS ISSUE UMI ARTS NEWS : ISSUE 5, 2008

Transcription

1 YOU AND ME STRENGTHENING OUR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL PRACTICES UMI ARTS NEWS : ISSUE 5, 2008 Directors Cut DECEMBER Exhibition From 5 December to 21 January 2009, UMI Arts is proud to present an exhibition of works by some members of its all Indigenous Board of Directors. Titled The Directors Cut, the exhibition includes works by Roy McIvor, Lisa Michl and Priscilla Major. UMI Board Members are active in their communities, as identified artists, advocates of cultural practice and inspirational rolemodels. They promote and raise awareness of importance of language and community through their artwork and cultural and professional endeavours. Roy McIvor Maji Bithaaygu Buliili Raindrops (Acrylic on canvas) UMI Board Member Roy McIvor is a Binthi Warra Elder of the Guugu Yimithirr Nation, north of the Annan River. Roy s use of Guugu Yimithirr names raises awareness of language and maintains a living connection to his culture. Roy McIvor has exhibited in venues such as the Queensland Art Gallery and Queensland Museum in Brisbane as well as the Cairns Regional Gallery, and KickArts Contemporary Arts, Cairns. Roy is Chair of the Hope Vale Arts and Cultural Centre. Priscilla Major Ma-Chieltruekle, is a Koko Berra Elder of Kowanyama in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Priscilla is a Justice of the Peace, Deputy Chair of the Justice Group, Board Member of UMI Arts and Director at Apunipima Cape York Health Council, as well as being involved with Cape York Land Council, Kowanyama Health Action and Cape York Institute s Leadership Program. Her artwork is reflective of her knowledge of cultural practice and traditional protocols in Kowanyama, as she is a leading Elder of the Koko Berra. Her Totem is Shark Dreaming. Priscilla Major Ma-Chieltruekle Ungi Pank Tharkath Yngar High Tide with White Foam (Acrylic on canvas) Her artwork produced for the Directors Cut exhibition will be instrumental in guiding Indigenous Development Officer field trips to Kowanyama in 2009 as part of the Exhibition Ready Program,...continued on page 3 IN THIS ISSUE 1 Directors cut - december exhibition 2 UMI Arts Chairperson s Word 2 UMI Arts Executive Officer s Word 4 exhibition ready program 6 umi arts development officers field trips 8 calendar of events & membership form umi News 3 UMI arts annual general meeting 3 IAAccc - Indigenous Australian Art Commercial Code of Conduct 3 bia indigenous reference group 3 far north queensland arts centres workshop in cairns news & events around the region 5 bumma bippera - umi arts hour 5 launch of djumbunji press 5 MEMENTo australia 1

2 A Word from the UMI Arts Chairperson Lisa Michl As the peak Indigenous arts organisation in Far North Queensland, UMI Arts continues to work with and promote artists and arts centres in Far North Queensland, from as far south as Cardwell, and as far north as Torres Strait, west to Camoweal and including the Gulf and Mt. Isa regions. UMI Arts is a not-for-profit company, managed by an all Indigenous Board of Directors. Our mission is to strengthen our culture and to do things our way, the proper way. The title UMI Arts has been developed from the Creole word umi which literally means you and me and is used in different parts of Far North Queensland. The name UMI Arts is significant because it suggests people coming together to move forward, rather than struggling independently. UMI Arts brings people together to lead the way to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture and economy in Far North Queensland. UMI Arts continues to participate in both State and national reference groups and alliances that are charged with identifying ways of strengthening our culture. At the October AGM, UMI Arts members approved the appointment of the following Board directors: Alberta Hornsby (Deputy Chair), Roy McIvor, Priscilla Major and Henrietta Fourmile Marrie. Since joining the company in July 2008, our two Development Officers, Earl and Troy, and our Executive Officer, Janet, have travelled to a number of communities in Far North Queensland, including Kowanyama, Hope Vale, Wujal Wujal, Laura, Mona Mona, Coen, Weipa, Lockhart River, Thursday Island and Badu Island. Whilst in communities, they have met with Art Centre Co-ordinators, artists and cultural practitioners to identify ways in which we can all work together to strengthen our culture. I hope you enjoy reading about their travels and activities in this Newsletter. For me, 2008 has also been an exciting year of personal achievements. Highlights have included two solo exhibitions in Canberra and Melbourne, being part of an official delegation to America Samoa for the 2008 Festival of Pacific Art, as well as being an invited guest at the World Music Expo in Melbourne. Hearing the inspiring stories of so many international and national musicians stressed the important role that UMI Arts can play in creating pathways for success for Indigenous artists of our region. So, with the new year fast approaching, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Board directors, the dedicated UMI staff and all of you for the support you have given UMI over the past year. And I would like to wish you all a happy and safe Christmas and New Year. Lisa Michl Chairperson A Word from the Executive Officer of UMI Arts Since joining UMI Arts in July, our two Development Officers, Earl Rosas and Troy Dennis and I have travelled extensively to a number of our communities in Far North Queensland. I would like to thank the artists, Centre Coordinators and communities for their invitations and welcome. Our experiences in communities have given us all a much greater understanding of and appreciation for the strength and diversity of arts and cultural practice in Far North Queensland. Janet Parfenovics Our Exhibition Ready Program allows UMI Arts to work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities in and around Cairns, and is a new opportunity to promote Indigenous art and cultures to a much wider audience. UMI Arts continues to provide strategic input into State and national reference groups and steering committees, and has recently been appointed to the newly formed BIA Steering Committee and the Indigenous Australian Art Commercial Code of Conduct (IAACCC) Alliance Group. UMI Arts acts as a portal for the flow of information in and out of this unique region of Australia. Every week, both Earl and Troy (and with a bit of persuasion, other members of the UMI team) present an hour long UMI Arts Hour on Bumma Bippera Radio. This is a great chat forum and an opportunity to showcase the many Indigenous events, music groups and artists in Cairns and Far North Queensland. In 2009, UMI Arts has an exciting and very busy program of events planned that includes our continuing program of changing exhibitions at our new UMI Art space at our offices in Martyn Street, Cairns. In 2009, UMI will continue to work with arts centres, communities and artists and will also participate in a number of special festivals including The Dreaming Festival (5-8 June 2009), the Laura Festival (19-21 June 2009), and NAIDOC Week (5-12 July). From August the inaugural Indigenous Art Fair will be held in Cairns. The key event in our 2009 Program will be UMI s signature event Big Talk One Fire Cultural Summit. The inaugural Summit was held in Cairns in May 2008 and was a huge success. Full details of the 2009 summit will be available in our next Newsletter. Finally, I would like to thank our dedicated Board Directors for their advice and guidance over the year, our funding partners, Arts Queensland, the Australia Council Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Board and the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA). And a very big thank you to Darryl, Renee, Troy and Earl for their support, energy and their great sense of humour! From all at UMI, have a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Janet Parfenovics Executive Officer 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 Directors Cut December Exhibition...continued from front page to produce a body of work in relation to art and culture of the Koko Berra people in this part of the Gulf. Lisa Michl is Chair of UMI Arts. Her language group is Kokoberrin from the Central West Coast of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. Lisa s Totem name Ko-manggén, means Catfish, given to her by her great-grandfather, most senior Kokoberrin elder and lore man until he passed away in Lisa has exhibited widely both nationally and internationally and her fine art paintings and prints are represented in Australian and overseas public and private collections. Lisa was recently selected to be part of the official Australian delegation to America Samoa for the 2008 Festival of Pacific Art. As Chair of UMI Arts, Lisa is dedicated to promoting the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, both nationally and internationally. Lisa Michl Ko-manggén. Mosquito story 1 - Konggol (Linocut) UMI News Indigenous Australian Art Commercial Code of Conduct UMI Arts has been invited by the Australia Council ATSIAB to participate in the drafting of the Indigenous Australian Art Commercial Code of Conduct (IAACCC). The Code aims to deliver financial, education and social benefits to Indigenous artists, their families and their communities. The Code will also support the development of a culture of ethical practice amongst dealers and artists, which will strengthen and sustain the industry and allow for purchaser confidence. Far North Queensland Indigenous Arts Centres Workshop in Cairns At the invitation of Arts Queensland, representatives from Arts Centres from Far North Queensland met in Cairns on 2 and 3 November to share industry experiences and information. The 2-day Indigenous Art Centres Managers Workshop was attended by UMI Arts. Issues that were discussed included financial management, community ownership, the Indigenous Arts Fair that will be held in Cairns in August 2009, and ways of improving a collaborative approach to the marketing of Far North Queensland Indigenous arts and culture. This was a significant opportunity for Arts Centre Coordinators to meet up, share their stories and develop strategies to strengthen cultural practice in communities in Far North Queensland. UMI Arts Annual General Meeting On 17 October UMI Arts held its Annual General Meeting for the year. The AGM is an important way for members of UMI to hear about the activities of the organisation over the past year and the new programs and events planned for the coming year. The AGM was held at UMI s offices at Martyn Street, Cairns and was well attended. Members of UMI approved the appointment of Directors of the UMI Arts Board, including the appointment of new Director, Henrietta Fourmile Marrie and the appointment of Alberta Hornsby as Chair of the organisation. The Annual Report for was presented and copies are available on request from UMI Arts. BIA Indigenous Reference Group Arts Queensland has recently invited a number of Indigenous artists and cultural workers to sit on the new BIA Indigenous Reference Group. UMI s Chair has been invited to sit on this Reference Group which will meet in January The purpose of the Reference Group is to ensure that there is broad participation from the community in the development and implementation of Arts Queensland s Backing Indigenous Arts (BIA) key initiatives. These initiatives include: Indigenous Art Centre Network and Hubs - $4.67m Djumbunji Press - $1.63m cairns Indigenous Art Fair - $1m building Skills and Opportunities - $3.43m Day 1 of the 3rd IAC Managers Workshop in Cairns The Reference Group will form an integral part of the delivery of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts development in Far North Queensland. 3

4 Exhibition Ready Program On 10 September 2008, UMI Arts launched its new gallery space at its offices in Martyn Street, Cairns. As part of UMI Arts Exhibition Ready Program, the gallery space provides a small space for solo and group artists to showcase their works. Every month, UMI presents a new exhibition of works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Exhibition Ready is a program that aims to provide support and advice to both emerging and established artists. Working with the two UMI Development Officers, artists are taken through each step of preparing works for exhibition, including preparation of works, cataloguing and documentation of artworks, contracts, labels, CVs, hanging of works, and an exhibition opening. UMI also provides marketing and promotional support for each exhibition, through its weekly Bumma Bippera radio art hour, Newsletter and media releases. From 10 October to 5 November, Eva Wanganeen exhibited a number of beautiful silk prints and scrolls. At her opening, Eva said, I continue to be inspired by what I learn and endeavour to pass on this knowledge through my art. From 7 November to 3 December, an exhibition entitled Echoes of the Rainforest by Napolean Oui demonstrated his strong connection to his traditional cultural heritage, that of Tjapukai. There are 18 distinct Aboriginal tribal groups that have inhabited the Far North Queensland rainforest for thousands of years. The area stretches along the east coast from Townsville to the Bloomfield River and incorporates the Daintree Rainforest and is the only surviving part of the ancient Gondwana Rainforest in Australia. Napolean s contemporary paintings relate to the traditional art found on the unique rainforest shields. He takes icons and totems relating to the rainforest and translates them onto canvas using the traditional styles and iconography of his ancestors. Ceferino Sabatino, Crocodile print Ceferino s exhibition will be on display at UMI from 23 January to 18 February From 20 February to 18 March, UMI will display a photographic exhibition by Indigenous artist, Gertrude Ygosse. Gertrude s exhibition is a portrayal of the KOCA (Keeping Our Culture Alive) Weavers from Mona Mona, on the Tablelands. Gertrude is a recipient of an RADF Grant from the Cairns Regional Council. The grant has assisted her to capture images of Indigenous Australians in their communities. This series of photographs captures the meticulous weaving style of the KOCA Group at the weaving camp situated in Mona Mona. Gertrude Ygosse Our next Newsletter will feature an exhibition of Lara Fujii s jewellery together with beautiful woodcarvings and meticulous pearl shell carvings from other Badu Island artists (exhibition will open 20th March and run until 15th April 2009). Napolean Oui - Echos from the rainforest exhibition. From 5 December to 21 January 2009, UMI will display Directors Cut (See front page for more details). Coming up in February is an exhibition of artwork by Torres Strait Islander artist Ceferino Garcia Sabatino. Ceferino was born on Thursday Island and raised on Hammond Island. His Totems are Hammer Head Shark and Turtle. 4 Ceferino says, Through my art work, I would like to share with many races of people, our culture and way of living in the Torres Strait Islands. I also like to share my art skill with younger Torres Strait Islanders so we don t lose our culture and, most important, our identity. These days my artwork consists of painting, lino printing, head-dress making (Dhoeri), also wood carving and burning. Lara Fujii and examples of her jewellery

5 News & Events Around the Region Bumma Bippera UMI Arts Hour Have you caught up with the weekly UMI Arts Hour on BBM radio? Every Friday, from 12 noon to 1pm join UMI Arts Hour for interviews with guests from around the region, including new and established musicians, and hear about the latest events and opportunities for Indigenous artists in Far North Queensland. Thank you BBM for this opportunity to showcase art and culture of Far North Queensland. For everyone out there, tune into BBM radio on 98.7FM and contact UMI Arts if you have some news or an event that you would like us to yarn about. Launch of Djumbunji Press On 28 October, the Hon Rod Welford officially launched the new KickArts Fine Art Printmaking Studio, Djumbunji Press. The launch was held at KickArts, Centre of Contemporary Arts, Cairns. Cairns artists and Indigenous elders joined Arts Minister Rod Welford to celebrate the announcement of a new printmaking centre to help the Far North s talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists launch on to the world stage. Djumbunji Press, a centrepiece of the State Government s $10.73 million Backing Indigenous Arts program, will be a state-of-theart studio and teaching space located at the Cairns campus of James Cook University. Djumbunji Press will focus on supporting and developing the skills of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, encouraging emerging artists to learn from their more established colleagues, while giving established artists the capacity to expand their production and allow them to reach new national and international markets, Mr Welford said. Earl Rosas with Wil Kepa Tune your radio to: UMI ARTS HOUR: Fridays 12-1pm Bumma Bippera, 98.7FM Cairns UMI The product of partnership between Arts Queensland, KickArts Contemporary Arts and James Cook University, Djumbunji Press will receive $1.63 million in State Government funding to support its establishment and operation in the first four years. The name Djumbunji, meaning belongs to the scorpion place, is significant to both the traditional owners of the Cairns region, the Gimuy Yindinji people, and Torres Strait Islanders. Renee Harris Troy Dennis Launch of Djumbunji Press at KickArts. Photo: david campbell MEMENTO Australia On 27 and 28 November, invited guests attended the launch of Memento Australia Boutique Trade Event, in Mossman, north of Cairns. This 2-day event showcased authentic gifts by emerging and leading Indigenous designers, artists and craftspeople. The Trade Event was the culmination of a process of workshops in Mossman, involving 15 local participants. From this workshop, a number of artists were selected to participate in a 12-week intensive mentoring program that focused on best-practice for creating products, marketing, packaging and presentation, and essential guides for business set-up. The aim of Momento is to set new standards in the innovation and quality of mementos and to provide a linkage between creative suppliers and retailers. For more information contact Participants at the launch of Momento in Mossman 5

6 UMI Arts Development Officers Field Trips THE aim OF UMI ARTS is to establish harmonious and prosperous relationships with communities throughout FNQ, and to assist in the development and maintenance of Traditional and artistic practice. HOPE VALE In October, we travelled to Hope Vale Arts and Cultural Centre, at the invitation of Co-ordinator, Waratah Nichols. Hope Vale Arts and Culture Centre is located in a temporary building, pending the imminent completion of their new Arts Centre. Amongst others, Indigenous Artists that we met in Hope Vale included Roy McIvor, Evelyn McGreen, Cyril McGreen, Madge Bowen and Derek Rosendale, who is also the Project Coordinator at the Centre. UMI s Development Officers and staff are working with a number of Arts Centres and Communities as part of its Exhibition Ready Program, in preparation for major events in 2009, including the Laura Festival and UMI s signature event, Big Talk One Fire cultural summit. Hope Vale Aboriginal people belong to clans of the Guugu Yimithirr Nation, which is to the north of the Annan River. The artists of Hope Vale Arts and Cultural Centre have produced a number of Public Art projects, including a ceramic tile mosaic of the emblem of Hope Vale, a Major Mitchell Cockatoo and a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo at the Health Centre, and large Aluminium wall-sized screens which enclose an area of the Health Centre. Temporary Hope Vale Arts and Culture Centre There is also an active weaving group in the community, which includes female elders. These elders were also part of the Mungal- Bungal, Clever With Hands book that tells of Hope Vale women and weaving, and their connection to Cape Bedford Mission. BADU ISLAND In November 2008, we visited the picturesque Torres Straits, the Gab Titui Cultural Centre and emerging Badu Island Artists. People of Badu are referred to as Badugal. Site of new Hope Vale Arts and Culture Centre Whilst we flew into Thursday Island, we wanted to travel by dinghy to Badu, as this is the most common form of travel between the islands. On Badu Island, we 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 20 to 23 November, Artist Derek Rosendale sealing ceramic mosaic at Hope Vale 6 Arriving at Badu Wooden Dugong carvings by Badu Island artist Job Kusu

7 MONA MONA Mona Mona Mission is situated on the Tablelands, very close to Kuranda. The Mission was established in 1913 and disbanded in However, local Djabuguy people have remained on the land and continue to practice traditional forms of weaving. Mona Mona mob is known as KOCA - Keeping Our Culture Alive. Weavers such as Rhonda Brim (Djabugay), Abe Muriata (Girramay from Tully) and Cathryn and Stuart Campbell-Lloyd of Okka Wikka, are ensuring the art of traditional weaving stays strong and vibrant through regular workshops, not only within their own community, but with other indigenous communities throughout Far North Queensland. Weekly workshops attract an average of fifteen participants per week from the local area, as well as from other areas including Lockhart River, Tully, and Mena Creek, many of whom camp onsite in a small tent village. While we were at Mona Mona, there was even a couple from Japan who added the experience of traditional weaving to their holiday package. Weaving was once a necessity in every day life, for shelter, carriage of food and equipment, babies, mats and even decoration for the body or home. Abe Muriata and bi-cornal basket Various bush materials such as Black palm, Lawyer cane, Lamandra grass and traditional dyes gathered from tree roots, are specifically used to manufacture each different type of basket. From beginning to end, some of the weavings can take months to produce. The intricate Lawyer cane bi-cornal baskets are quite rare and can also command a high price, partly due to the preparation time required for these products. The process from beginning to end is very time consuming and requires patience and a lot of skill. We first met with KOCA at their weaving stall at the Kowanyama Baby Festival in August 2008 and we are delighted that Indigenous artist, Gertrude Ygosse has chosen KOKA as the focus for her upcoming photographic exhibition at UMI Arts. KOCA mob at Mona Mona We would like to thank everyone who has made our travels into community such a rewarding and enriching experience, and for sharing your stories and aspirations with us. We look forward to continuing our work with you all. Troy and Earl. Splitting Lawyer cane Rhonda Brim with small Bi-cornal Leroy Diamond at Mona Mona Camp 7

8 Janet with artists at Lockhart River Arts centre Earl Rosas and Evelyn Omeenyo, Mona Mona Camp Will Kepa, Lydia Miller, Lisa Michl & Rhoda Roberts at AWME Nov 08 Troy Dennis, Renee Harris and Earl Rosas live on-air for UMI Arts Hour on Bumma Bippera 98.7FM Troy and Earl on Badu Island Lockhart River Arts Centre Coordinator, Camille Masson-Talansier discusses painting techniques. Calendar of Events 5 December - 21 January, Directors Cut exhibition at UMI Arts. 23 January - 18 February, Ceferino Sabatino exhibition at UMI Arts. 20 February - 18 March, Gertrude Ygosse exhibition at UMI Arts. UMI Arts Hour: 12-1pm every Friday on Bumma Bippera Radio, 98.7FM Cairns. 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: Organisations Name: Postal Address: Residential Address: Home Phone: Mobile Phone: Work Phone: 8 Artform / Occupation (please tick ) Arts and Crafts Musician Performer Writer Photographer Choreographer Graphic designer Web designer Stage manager Sound Tech MC Artistic Director Arts worker Arts consultant Art Centre co-ordinator Membership category (please tick one ) A. Indigenous Artist B. Indigenous Arts Centres and Organisations 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 newsletter Design: guy hancock - soundobject.com.au