Handmade Arts and Crafts in the UMI Arts Shop

Transcription

1 YOU AND ME STRENGTHENING OUR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL PRACTICES UMI ARTS NEWS : ISSUE 13, 2010 Pearling Lugger by george les passi. Handmade Arts and Crafts in the UMI Arts Shop George Les Passi creates detailed replicas of the pearling luggers he remembers from his teenage years during the 1960s in the Torres Strait. George s father is from Mer (Murray) Island and his mother is from St. Paul Island. I grew up on Mer Island but left when I was 17 years old to go to Thursday Island to work on a cargo freighter that serviced the Gulf of Carpentaria, says George. When I was on this freighter I would look out to sea and all I would see would be pearling luggers everywhere. I have a strong memory and recreate my luggers from this time in my life. The UMI Arts Shop proudly stocks some of George s many luggers, as well as other handmade arts and crafts, books and music by Indigenous cultural practitioners of Far North Queensland. Turn to page 7 for more on George and his luggers, as well as other unique items available from our Members in the UMI Arts Shop. IN THIS ISSUE 1 george passi s pearling lugger replicas 2 UMI Arts Chairperson s Word 3 UMI Arts Executive Officer s Word 3 umi arts annual report to 30 june indigenous art workers pilot training program 4 INdigenous art code of conduct 4 INdigenous art workers program 5 new umi arts publications 6 black ink press writers workshop 6 shores grammar school visits cairns 6 yarrabah youth employment & careers expo 7 umi arts shop 8 welcome to the new ciaf team 8 linocut printing workshop with billy missi 9 UMI arts news and services for our members 10 umi arts indigenous markets 11 exhibition ready program photo gallery and membership forms 1

2 The UMI Arts Board of Directors One of the greatest strengths of UMI Arts is its all-indigenous Board of Directors. Each Director actively participates in their respective communities, whether as a cultural practitioner, in the social justice system, local government, or as a Traditional Owner. The UMI Arts Board meets every two months and Directors play an active role in developing programs that support the organisation s vision and mission. Lisa Michl - Chairperson Based in Cairns, Lisa Michl is a Kokoberrin woman from Inkerman country, Cape York Peninsula, and descended from a strong line of Aboriginal women. Alberta Hornsby - Deputy Chairperson Alberta Hornsby was born in Hope Vale, and is a Bulgun Warra, Angamuthi and Ganggalida Woman. Alberta lives in Cooktown. Roy McIvor - Director Roy McIvor is from the Guugu Yimithirr tribe. He was born at Cape Bedford Mission, and today lives as an active artist and role model in the Hope Vale community. Priscilla Major - Director 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, where she lives. Leo B Akee - Director Leo (Beizam - Shark) lives on Thursday Island and is a proud Meriam of the Geuram tribe, one of the Eight Tribes of Mer. His totems include Beizan (Shark), Tabor (Snake), Bid (Dolphin), Waumer (Frigate bird), Deumer (Torres Strait Pigeon) and Galbol (Whale). Desmond Tayley - Director Desmond is a Kuku Yalanji/Kuku Nyungkul man from the Bloomfield River area, with family ties going back for many generations. Desmond lives in Wujal Wujal, where he is also the Mayor. Shaun Edwards - Director 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. Shaun is currently living in Sydney. Noel Zaro OAM - Director Noel is a descendant of the Dowareb tribe, part of the Murray Island group. His tribal totem is Nam (Green sea turtle), and the Womer (Man-of-war hawk). His language is Meriam Mir, the Murray Island language that is spoken in the eastern Torres Strait. Noel is a teacher and performer of traditional Murray Island dances, and has performed both nationally and internationally. A Word from the Chairperson Lisa Michl This last Newsletter for the year is a timely opportunity for me to thank, on behalf of the Directors of UMI Arts, all UMI Arts Members, funding partners, sponsors and donors for their continued support over the past year. Looking back over the year, there have been some exciting new developments and achievements both for the organisation, and for many Members of UMI Arts. In April, UMI Arts moved into new rented premises in Sheridan Street, North Cairns. For a number of years we had been searching for a larger premises that would assist the organisation in delivering an increased range of programs that would support UMI Arts Mission to preserve, strengthen, maintain and celebrate all aspects of Indigenous arts and culture in Far North Queensland. Whilst we came very close to securing new premises in 2009, the new premises in Sheridan Street far surpassed our expectations. Since opening our new Shop and Galleries we have also been able to increase our facilities to include a Members Internet Café and a large multi-purpose area that has been used for dance and music rehearsals and has also given us much needed space for our ever expanding exhibition openings. UMI Arts strongly supports Arts Queensland s initiative to create a place (Hub) in Cairns that supports the creation of Indigenous cultural practices, including music, dance, visual arts and crafts, as well as new media such as graphic design, film and fashion design. Our new premises, whilst not funded by any outcomes of the Hub Report, ticks many of the needs identified during the Hub consultations and we invite all our Members to make use of these facilities whilst we all await Arts Queensland s advice re the future of the Hub. Meanwhile, UMI Arts is currently working with all levels of Government to develop a 3-5 year Far North Queensland Indigenous Training for Employment. We look forward to progressing this strategic development in the New Year. UMI Arts Business Plan and Mission clearly identifies training for Indigenous people for future employment and economic independence in the creative industries as one of our key concerns over the next three years. Another of our guiding principles is to create pathways for success for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, cultural practitioners, arts centres and communities in Far North Queensland. This we seek to do through the many programs that UMI Arts delivers here in Cairns and in communities in our region, including our Exhibition Ready (and Exhibition Ready In Community) Programs; our annual Big Talk One Fire Indigenous Cultural Festival and our monthly UMI Arts Indigenous Markets on the Cairns Esplanade (May-Oct). As the year draws to a close, I would particularly like to thank our hard working and professional staff of UMI Arts. Over the year they have developed and delivered an unprecedented program of events and activities. Finally, I would like to wish you all a very happy and successful Lisa Michl Chairperson 2 Contact UMI Arts UMI Arts Ltd. PO Box 1100, North Cairns, Qld 4870 Office: 335 Sheridan Street, North Cairns, Qld 4870 Phone: (07) Fax: (07) admin@umiarts.com.au Website: UMI Arts gratefully acknowledges the support of:

3 A Word from the Executive Officer This year has been a year of unprecedented activity and I would like to acknowledge and thank the many individuals and organisations who have contributed to and supported these initiatives. First and foremost, I would like to thank all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, Janet Parfenovics musicians, dancers and performers who have shared their culture with the Cairns community through our Markets, Exhibitions and our first ever five-day Indigenous Cultural Festival. Thank you for so willingly sharing and celebrating your culture and for creating pathways for young cultural practitioners to aspire to. I would also like to acknowledge and give special thanks to all UMI Arts Directors. One of the organisation s greatest strengths is its all- Indigenous Board of Directors. It is your vision, knowledge, energy and creative ideas that continue to inspire and guide us. In 2010, UMI Arts continued to deliver its skills based programs that focus on maintaining and strengthening Indigenous culture in Far North Queensland. In addition to our Exhibition Ready Program, we delivered our pilot Indigenous Art Workers Program to participants from Mossman Gorge and Hope Vale. This toe-in-the-water training program was made possible through one-off funding from DEWHA. In 2011, we hope that increased funding will see this program continue and grow as part of our long-term Indigenous Training for Employment Strategy. As part of our Employment Strategy, we were delighted that our application for funding to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Arts Board s Indigenous Arts Workers Program had been successful. This funding will see our Indigenous Development Officer, Renee Harris take on training and career development towards becoming a professional Indigenous Event Manager over the next three years. UMI Arts Annual Report to 30th June 2010 At the 2010 Annual General Meeting that was held at UMI Arts in October, copies of the Annual Report were tabled for Members to receive and accept. The AGM is an opportunity for all our Members to come together and to meet the Directors and Staff of UMI Arts and hear about past and future programs and opportunities for the organisation. UMI Arts now has over 300 individual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Members who have connection to country in Far North Queensland. With the support of our Members, UMI Arts strives to be the strong Indigenous voice for our region. If you are not already a Member, we encourage you to complete the application form on the back of this Newsletter. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have cultural connection to Far North Queensland, Membership is free. If you are not Indigenous or come from another part of Australia, or are an organisation we warmly invite you to show your support for the work of UMI Arts as the peak Indigenous arts and cultural organisation for Far North Queensland. By becoming an Associate Member of UMI Arts your annual subscription helps us to deliver our programs and to keep our culture strong. The Annual Report, along with all UMI Arts publications is now available on our web site: During 2011, we will hear more about the Indigenous Art Centre Alliance and the consultant s findings for a proposed service organisation that can provide specific support for Indigenous Arts Centres in Queensland. UMI Arts looks forward to working with all levels of government to ensure that the Art Centres, their Boards, staff and artists receive the support and assistance they need. We also look forward to working towards the creation of Indigenous employment opportunities in Art Centres, here and elsewhere in Australia. In 2010, UMI Arts successfully applied for Membership to the newly created Indigenous Art Code. The Code sets out an industry-wide standard for professional and transparent behaviour by commercial dealers and others in working with Indigenous artists. In July, UMI Arts launched a new Membership Program and we now have over 300 Individual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Members who have cultural connection to the Far North Queensland region. Many of our Members took part in UMI Arts Markets and also our inaugural five-day Cultural Festival, Big Talk One Fire. To all of you who have so willingly given your advice and support over the past year, thank you from all the staff at UMI Arts - Darryl, Guy, Renee and Danelle. We wish you all a wonderful year ahead. Janet Parfenovics Executive Officer UMI Arts is the peak Indigenous arts and cultural organisation for Far North Queensland, an area that extends north of Cairns to include the Torres Strait Islands, south to Cardwell, west to Camooweal and includes the Gulf and Mt Isa regions. UMI Arts is a not-for-profit company managed by an all Indigenous Board of Directors and is based in Cairns. UMI Arts was established in 2005 and its mission is to operate an Indigenous organisation that assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate in the maintenance, preservation and protection of cultural identity. At the broadest level, the UMI Arts goal is to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practices, including visual arts and crafts, dance, ceremony, story telling and music. UMI is a Creole word that means You and Me - for UMI Arts this is significant as we believe that we need to work together to keep our culture strong. Our mission is to be an all-indigenous managed organisation that is nationally recognised as the peak arts and cultural organisation for Far North Queensland, which encompasses Cairns, Cape York, the Gulf and the Torres Strait. UMI Arts acknowledges the diverse Indigenous cultural nationhood of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that live in the Far North Queensland region. UMI Arts commits itself to strengthening the identity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the region. At all times we will deliver programs and services that are based on respect for cultural protocols, sound governance and best practice, and that: preserve, strengthen, maintain and celebrate all aspects of Indigenous arts and culture, train and skill Indigenous people for future employment and economic independence in the creative industries, create pathways for success for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, cultural practitioners, arts centres and communities in Far North Queensland. 3

4 Indigenous Arts Workers Pilot Training Project In 2010, UMI Arts received a one-off grant from the Office for the Arts (formerly the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts) to deliver a Pilot Program for Training Indigenous Arts Workers for employment in Art Centres and the creative industries. This grant allowed UMI Arts to deliver a toe in the water program to participants from Mossman Gorge and Hope Vale - Pam Salt, Julie Buchanan, Fiona Creek, Alisha Buchanan and Juanita Spratt. Participants came to UMI Arts in Cairns for two 5-day blocks over the course of the year. The training program had two main strands: working with UMI Arts and a professional workshop facilitator (Michael Marzik) to introduce participants to a broad range of activities associated with installing, cataloguing and documenting art works for display and/or exhibition (hanging techniques, display materials, choice of art materials, handling of artworks, networking and orientation sessions with arts and cultural organisations, art suppliers and framers as well as hands on-sessions at UMI Arts). working on aspects of merchandising and retail, utilising UMI Arts own Retail shop and retail systems (creation of art work labels, management of data bases and mail merge, point of sale and display options and techniques, preparation of Certificates of Authenticity, pricing, the Indigenous Art Code, commissions and artists contracts). The aim of the Pilot Project was to give participants an overview of the core activities of an Art Centre worker s role and an introduction into the creative industries so that participants can make informed choices about the creative industries as a pathway for further accredited study and/or a career. We hope that our funding partners will continue to support and grow this initiative in 2011 and beyond and we thank all our participants this year for working with and sharing their ideas with us. Indigenous Art Code of Conduct The Indigenous Art Code Ltd has recently launched the logo that identifies and represents the Indigenous Australian Art Commercial Code of Conduct (The Code). The Code is a significant milestone in securing ethical trade in Indigenous visual arts, and an opportunity for galleries and dealers to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring a fair deal for Indigenous artists. The Code sets out a minimum standard for commercial galleries and dealers to apply to their dealings with Indigenous visual artists. It also supports the rights of Indigenous artists to negotiate fair terms of trade for their work, and it gives buyers greater certainty of an artwork s origin. While signing up to the Code is voluntary, it has a robust legal framework which was developed with strong input from the industry. When you sign up to the Code you are making a commitment for yourself and your organisation to act by the standards set out in the Code and to reject any exploitative behaviour which takes advantage of Indigenous artists. To be a signatory to the Code, you must be a Dealer Member of Indigenous Art Code Limited and apply for membership. UMI Arts is pleased to announce that it has recently been approved as a signatory to the Code of Conduct. umi arts executive officer, janet explaining data management systems. The development of a commercial code of conduct was central to the recommendations of the 2007 Senate Inquiry report: Indigenous art - securing the future. The Code was developed by the Australia Council, who worked closely with an Industry Alliance Group made up of artists, Indigenous art centres, commercial art galleries, public art galleries, auction houses and visual arts peak bodies; including the Association of Northern, Kimberley and Arnhem Aboriginal Artists (ANKAAA), UMI Arts, Ananguku Arts, Desart, Australian Commercial Galleries Association (ACGA), National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) and the Australian Indigenous Art Trade Association (AIATA). Visit the Indigenous Australian Art Commercial Code of Conduct web site for more information, participants work on commission rates, pricing structures and calculations with umi arts development officer, guy. 4 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board s Indigenous Art Workers Program In November UMI Arts was formally advised that our application for three-year funding to employ an Indigenous Arts worker was successful. This program which is offered through the Australia Council provides funding for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander arts organisation to employ an Indigenous arts worker. The grant provides a sliding scale of financial support for the salary of an Indigenous arts worker for up to three years. We are thrilled that this grant has made it possible to offer our former Administrator/Development Officer, Renee Harris, the opportunity to train and be employed as our first ever Indigenous Event Manager. Over the past year Renee stepped up to the bar in this area of her chosen career, by first managing our monthly Indigenous Arts Markets on the Cairns Esplanade and then by project managing our first ever five-day Festival in August - the Big Talk One Fire Indigenous Cultural Festival, in partnership with the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) and Cairns Festival Congratulations Renee - too deadly!

5 UMI Arts Publications We are very proud to present three new publications to kick-off 2011 Pathways Exhibition Publication Big Talk One Fire Cultural Celebration on DVD As part of our Big Talk One Fire Indigenous Cultural Festival in August 2010, UMI Arts mounted a group exhibition of recent works by twenty one of our Member artists who had successfully completed the Exhibition Ready Program since it was launched in September The exciting two-day cultural celebration at the Cairns Civic Theatre, which formed part of the Big Talk One Fire Indigenous Cultural Festival, has been captured on film and in photos and professionally turned into a wonderful DVD which is now available from UMI Arts. The DVD has been filmed and edited by Victor Steffensen and his team at Mulong. Thanks guys, the end result really captures just how extraordinary it was to have so many of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander bands, dancers and musicians performing here in Cairns as part of the Festival in August. In September UMI Arts was advised that its application for a grant to produce a book to document the exhibition had been successful. With the support of Arts Queensland funding, through the Backing Indigenous Arts Building Skills and Opportunities program, UMI Arts has produced a substantial publication that is now available. From August 2010, UMI Arts presented the five-day Big Talk One Fire Indigenous Cultural Festival in Cairns This DVD features some of the most exciting traditional and contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance, music, and song from the amazingly diverse Indigenous cultures of Far North Queensland. Filmed at the Cairns Civic Theatre, this DVD also includes interviews and footage from the Small Brother Small Sister youth component of the event. Performers Seith Fourmile, Yarrie Impact Dance Group, Terra Mystic, Bayjah, Bamaga Berlibal Senior Dance Troupe, Nite Owls, Jordan & Ghekkho, Black Image, Yarrabah Dancers, Cold Water Band, Leo Akee, King Kadu, Banawurun, Gerib Sik Dance Troupe, Fade To Black, Yimbaala Dancers. The Pathways exhibition at UMI Arts ran from 20 August to 1 October 2010 and was a wonderful showcasing opportunity for each of the artists who had participated in UMI Arts Exhibition Ready Program. It was programmed to coincide with the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair which brought over 10,000 visitors to Cairns. Small Brother Small Sister, Schools Component Performers Cairns West State School, Peace Lutheran College, Wangetti Tavec, Woree State High School, Whiterock State School. Big Talk One Fire Indigenous Cultural Festival is an annual event. It is a unique opportunity to share in the breadth and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Far North Queensland. The Small Brother Small Sister program was funded by the Office for The Arts, Festivals Australia Program. Many of UMI Arts Member artists were not included in CIAF at the Tanks or at the CIAF exhibition at the Cairns Regional Gallery as they did not have a participating dealer, gallery or Art Centre to represent them. Yet there is an enormous wealth of artistic talent in Cairns that, without the Pathways exhibition, would not have been shared with the thousands of visitors who came to Cairns for CIAF. This exhibition aimed to redress this situation and also provided sales opportunities for these artists. UMI Arts is the peak Indigenous arts and cultural organisation for Far North Queensland and is a not-for-profit company managed by an all Indigenous Board of Directors. UMI Arts gratefully acknowledges the support of its funding partners: The Pathways publication will be a living record of the project and an enduring marketing tool for the artists who participated in the exhibition. saibai Big Talk One Fire Indigenous Cultural Festival AUGUST 2010, CAIRNS exhibition ready in-community, wujal wujal DVD In 2010, the Australian Government Regional Arts Fund (RAF) supported UMI Arts in taking the Exhibition Ready Program into two communities in Far North Queensland, Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal. A DVD has been produced with the support of RAF and documents delivery of the program in Wujal Wujal and the artists journey to Cairns and preparation for their first exhibition, Where the Rainforest Meets the Sea - Yalanji Country. erub (darnley island) australia badu island waiben (thursday island) art centres and communities of far north Queensland and the torres strait Big Talk One Fire Indigenous Cultural Festival 2010 partner eventpathways with the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair The Pathways book reproduces works byas aall the artists, (CIAF) and the Cairns Festival. together with full colour reproductions of each work, artists profiles and stories, and a curatorial essay. *art Hub northern peninsula area The exhibition was officially opened by the Mayor of Wujal Wujal, Desmond Tayley on Friday 26 November, 2010 and is on display at UMI Arts Galleries, 335 Sheridan Street, North Cairns until 14 January, Robert Romelo weipa I was born in Gordonvale hospital in the year I lived in Aloomba most of my childhood years and while living there I learned a lot from my culture, which included hunting food for my family. My Mum Loyla Woodley was born in Old Mapoon tribe is Thanakwit and her hi. lockhart river *art Hub aurukun My father Robert Romelo was born in Atherton. His tribe is Yidinji. He was the one who taught me how to live off the land. coen What inspired me to pursue art was my great grandaunt Thancoupie, from Weipa South (Thanakwi thi). As you know, she is a well known ceramics artist, which made me feel inspired to do art in my life. pormpuraaw Hope Vale kowanyama wujal wujal I have completed Certificate IV in Indigenous Visual Arts at Tropical North Queensland TAFE and now I am doing a Diploma. MossMan gorge Mornington island kuranda chillagoe normanton doomadgee At the age of thirteen I was year 8 art student of the year, which made me feel more confident to do art in the future. cooktown laura Mareeba cairns yarrabah *umi arts innisfail cardwell I like ceramics, lino prints (oil printing), and painting acrylics. My art and design is an expression of my family s culture, Mum and Dad s side. Next year I will be commenci ng studies for my Assessmen and Workplace Training t Cert IV, so that I can become an art teacher, where I can then show our younger generation the cultural ways of their families. One day I would like to be famous like my Grandaunt Thancoupie in ceramics and well known in other mediums. Protector, 2010 Acrylic on canvas 76 x 61cm Bad spirits came to wipe out the land, when the Elders call for the Quinkin to protect their land and animals. camooweal Mount isa A DVD of the UMI Arts Exhibition Ready In, Community Program working with artists in Wujal Wujal. s the sea Where the rainforest meet beautiful 58 PAGE BOOK, featuring all 21 Pathways artists, with full colour reproductions of their works, artists profiles, stories, and curatorial essay only $12 Yalanji Country Yalanji Country An exhibition of recent work by Wujal Wujal artists: An exhibition of recent work by Wujal Wujal artists: Gibson, Faron Nunn, Glen Maurice Sam Friday, Mario Williams Sam Friday, Maurice Gibson, Faron Nunn, Glen Mario 2011 Williams November January November January WHERE THE RAINFOREST MEETS THE SEA 5

6 Shores Grammar School visits Cairns On Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 December, UMI Arts hosted students from the Sydney Church of England Grammar School (Shores) who were on a school excursion to the region. This was an initiative of Rev. Paul Dudley who has a passion for introducing and extending students knowledge and experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Dez Green shares his storyboard with the writers workshop group Black Ink Press Writers Workshop in Cairns Indigenous publishing house Black Ink Press held a successful two-day workshop at UMI Arts on December 14 and 15. It was conducted by a team from Townsville including publisher (and onetime writer and illustrator) Jeanie Adams with mentors Kath Hinchley and Esther Fischer. Esther is from Mossman and Cardwell and has written two books, illustrated by Kerri McCann and published by Black Ink Press. She shared with the participants her experience of becoming an author, and is encouraged by the enthusiasm, opportunity and common interests she discovered in Cairns. For all the students, this was their first visit to Cairns - and at an extremely hot time of the year! At UMI Arts, each group of students met and talked with well known Torres Strait Islander artist, Billy Missi. Each one-hour workshop given by Billy, focused on the traditional stories of his home country, his totems, histories and cultural knowledge and how these themes are conveyed in his intricate linocut prints and paintings. For the students it was an opportunity to meet and talk with an established artist who could share with them his stories and his pathway to becoming a well established practising Indigenous artist who now lives and works in Cairns. From all of us at UMI Arts, thank you Billy, students and teachers at Shores for this wonderful sharing experience. We hope to see you again next year. Ten participants including observers from Arts Queensland were given practical hints on how to plan and tell stories and create images to turn their own experiences into books for children. They shared their diverse ideas and styles, and each was inspired by the others as well as by the Black Ink Press mentors. They also learned about copyright. Jeanie Adams said Several exciting projects were begun, and now we hope the artists will persevere and present them to us for publication. These participants understand that Indigenous kids need contemporary books with their own heroes, images, languages and stories. It s hard for artists to make a living. Black Ink Press opens up the possibility of writing and illustrating as an additional production strand, even a viable career path. And it enables people and communities to support each other across the generations.. Topics in the workshop included: how to get started, some ways to plan a book, how the words and pictures work together, considering who the reader is, copyright and contracts explained, and the process of publication with Black Ink Press. Black Ink Press will follow up with more workshops in For more information please contact Black Ink Press on or , or visit their website: billy missi discussing his work with shores grammar students and teachers Yarrabah Youth Employment and Careers Expo During 2010, UMI Arts travelled into many communities, including Yarrabah which is situated very close to Cairns. UMI Arts believes in supporting the creation of pathways and opportunities, particularly for our youth. On Wednesday 10 November, 2010, UMI Arts Business Manager, Darryl Harris and Development Officer and Event manager, Renee Harris travelled to Yarrabah to support the Yarrabah Youth Employment and Careers Expo. 6 erwin murgha, sam backo, darryl harris and garth murgha in yarrabah The expo was about raising awareness of the high level of unemployment and ways for creating opportunities for people in various employment sectors, such as the mines and defence force. Attending the Expo was special guest Leon Burchill from the movie Stone Brothers, as well as football greats, Arthur Beetson and Sam Backo. It was also really great to catch up with Elverina Johnson who coordinated the expo in her community. Congratulations to everyone who made this such a great event!

7 UMI Arts Shop The UMI Arts Shop stocks local, authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jewellery, carvings, weaving, clothes, textiles, cards, as well as paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures. We also have some very unique traditional works for sale including Noel Zaro s Dhari (headdress) and George Passi s miniature replicas of pearl lugging boats. Regular stall holders at our monthly Indigenous Markets are now selling their works through the Shop. The shop is an important new enterprise for UMI Arts as it is another way that we can work with our artists and help support them. Here is a sample of some of the beautiful items in store now. If you are interested in any of these items, please give danelle a call on ceramic pot - 18cm michelle yeatman $170 Kulup cheryl sailor $75 New Zennith CD available now It s been a few years in the making, but the debut album by Indigenous roots reggae band Zennith was definitely worth the wait. While the six-piece band honed their songwriting, carefully selecting the 12 tracks that make up the Nothin To Lose album, they ve been diligently performing around the traps, racking up experience in the live arena before taking their music to the masses. Released on 5 November 2010, Nothin To Lose is a diverse album, with songs penned by all three of the founding members of the sixpiece outfit, and a record that touches on a variety of music genres, while still keeping true to the ethos of the band, which is steeped in their Indigenous heritage. The result is a record that not only highlights the experiences of Indigenous Australians, but pinpoints the importance of Indigenous and non-indigenous Australian s living together without racism and different rules. The album tackles subjects which all music lovers will relate to, from walking the fine line between right and wrong to love lost and struggles within relationships. There is something for everyone in the lyrical content of Zennith s album, and all reggae roots lovers will be impressed with the instrumentation that creates a unique North Queensland ambience to the band s music. beaded seed jewellery jennifer martens necklace $90 earrings $30 crocheted sweat towel barbara finch $30 kids printed t-shirt joey laifoo $30 carved bone dhari pendant samuel tt savage $68 Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Astro Brim says the album is a genre rollercoaster of Kuranda music. It is the story of our livelihood and how the Kuranda people live their day to day life, he says. It is a reflection of how we see the world through our eyes, and expresses messages through lyrical form. Zennith is the brainchild of the Brim family, father Willie Brim, a wellrespected Aboriginal elder in Kuranda, Far North Queensland and his two sons, Astro and Aden. The Brim boys soon signed up fellow school mates Lindsay Snider and Isaac Crowley, and family friend Biri-Jah... and the magic of Zennith was born. As a predominantly Indigenous line-up, Zennith has been dubbed as the next big Australian export - an Indigenous band that has the talent and opportunity to make it big in the overseas market, another Yothu Yindi, proudly championing the message of Australia. Fast forward a decade and people will be talking about how the debut album by Zennith smashed all barriers and changed the way we thought about music. Nothin To Lose is proudly supported by Arts Queensland. It is available in-stores and online through MGM, and also from the UMI Arts Shop for $ pearling lugger replicas (H) 56cm x (L) 49cm Approx. george les passi $267 adults airbrushed t-shirt kevin edmondstone $75 George Passi with his handmade replicas of Pearling Luggers, as featured on the front cover of this newsletter. George says he learnt his skills from his uncle, and now passes on his knowledge to his children and grandchildren... and they will continue to do the same with their families for generations to come. UMI Arts is a not-for-profit company managed by an allindigenous board of directors. Income from the Shop and Gallery goes to our member artists and to fund programs that directly support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists and cultural practitioners from Far North Queensland. We are always looking for new items from our members to stock in the UMI Arts Shop, so please have a chat to any of us, or give Danelle our Retail Officer a call on (07)

8 Avril Quaill Wanda Weatherall, Ali Copley and Carly Jia Welcome to the new CIAF team and office As many of us slowed down for the festive season, the Cairnsbased Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) team hit the ground running, with several new faces and a new office. In the new year, CIAF Artistic Director Avril Quaill moved from Brisbane to join the CIAF team in Cairns. Avril is a Nunukul woman with clan associations to the Goenpul and Nuigi people of Moreton Bay (Quandamooka) in south-east Queensland. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, with 20 plus years experience as an artist and curator. Avril s focus in 2011 will be to bolster CIAF s reputation as a world class event where collectors and members of the public can view and purchase new artwork from Queensland s leading and emerging Indigenous artists, while developing new skills and opportunities for Indigenous artists to build professional careers. Avril will be working very closely with the new CIAF General Manager, Ali Copley, in the coming months. Ali also comes from a strong background in Indigenous arts - before joining CIAF she was an Indigenous Arts Officer at Top End Arts in Darwin and has unique experience producing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events and festivals, having coordinated the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. Ali has been watching the flourishing Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts scene with interest over the past few years and saw CIAF as an exciting opportunity to get involved. Project Officer Carly Jia is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman born in Cairns with heritage links to the Maluilgal (Wakaid clan) and Meriam (Komet tribe) nations of the Torres Strait and the Yidinji (Malanburra) peoples. Carly recently returned to Cairns after spending 12 years in Canberra working in various roles including the National Museum of Australia as an Exhibitions Project Manager and later as a Curator responsible for the permanent gallery changeover of the Torres Strait Islander gallery, Dhari a Krar: Headdresses and Masks from the Torres Strait. She also worked in International Repatriation negotiating the return of Indigenous human remains from overseas collections. Introduction to Linocut printing with Billy Missi - Side by Side UMI Arts will be holding a free 2-day beginners Linocut Printing workshop for its Members in February. The workshop will be run by established Linocut Printing artist Billy Missi and will take place on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 February 2011 at UMI Arts which is located at 335 Sheridan Street, North Cairns. This workshop is for our Members who may be interested in starting to learn about how to do Linocut printing, to encourage further education and up-skilling, and to also provide a fun, safe, community atmosphere for our Members to get together and learn side by side. Attendees will learn and create their own small Linocut blocks. Printing will use non-toxic inks and participants will learn about OH&S aspects of work areas, work with tools and learn how to carve Lino block. Due to the beginner s nature of this workshop, Members will be using the rolling technique to print their own Linocut prints, in-house at UMI Arts. Billy Missi comes from Maluilgal country, the western Torres Strait Islands. Billy is a part of the Wagedagam tribe and is an associate member to the Dhanghal clan of Panai, to the east and the Kaigas clan to the south of Mabuiag Island. Billy, who is a UMI Arts Member, has over eleven years experience working in the medium of print making. An acclaimed artist in his own right, Billy is enthusiastic about educating others about his artworks and techniques. Billy loves to share his skills and knowledge and hopes that others gain skills which will enable them to one day express their own stories through this medium. Side By Side is a new program and we would also like to hear from our Members about other workshops that they might want to take part in or deliver to other Members over the coming year. These workshops are free and all materials will be provided unless otherwise specified. Please register early for Billy Missi s workshop on 9 and 10 February as places are limited! If you would like to register for this workshop, or would like to run your own workshop, please contact Danelle on (07) or umisupport@umiarts.com.au. Administration Officer Wanda Weatherall is a Bar Burrum woman from the Tablelands and has lived in the Cairns region all her life. Wanda worked on this year s event and enjoyed meeting people who attended CIAF. Wanda loves the fast paced working environment that CIAF offers and the adrenalin of being a part of an exciting new event that gives international visitors a taste of what our mob from up this way can showcase. 8 If you have any questions about CIAF, please drop by and speak to one of the friendly staff. Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Level 12 (Corporate Tower), 15 Lake Street PO Box 5300, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Tel: Fax: art.fair@arts.qld.gov.au Web: billy missi carving out a vinyl block

9 UMI Arts News & Services for Our Members Arts Queensland s proposed Cairns Indigenous Arts and Cultural Hub Back in April 2010, Fieldworx consultants completed Gimuy Wabu Stage One Feasibility Study for a Cairns Indigenous Arts and Cultural Hub. This Report was funded by Arts Queensland who commissioned UMI Arts to manage the consultancy. The final Report was submitted to Arts Queensland in April 2010, but it cannot be released without the formal approval of the Government. Like many of UMI Arts Members and the many people who so willingly gave of their time at one or more of the consultations that were conducted by Fieldworx, UMI Arts is disappointed that approval has not yet been given for the Report to be made public. The Report clearly presents a case for an all-indigenous owned and operated facility or centre in Cairns that can primarily support the creation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, crafts, music, dance and performance. This need was recognised a long time ago by the Directors of UMI Arts, and it was for this reason that the organisation began a long search to find a rental property in Cairns that could address, in part, some of the needs that are now documented in the Hub Report. Therefore, earlier this year, when we came across the premises at 335 Sheridan Street, the organisations made a difficult decision to apply much of its own resources and reserves to secure the premises on a long-term lease. Over the past six months the staff has worked hard and with limited financial resources, to set up the building as a culturally welcoming and friendly place that can provide support, services and programs for UMI Art Members. Services and facilities that we are now able to offer include: Members Internet Café and Business Support Equipment For many of our Members, access in Cairns to computer equipment, phones, internet, fax and photocopying facilities is a very big problem. We have set up a small Internet Café facility where local and visiting Members can access the internet, check and send s, log onto the web, or type up their grant applications and acquittals. The UMI Arts Internet Café is a free service to our Members and comes with complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, fridge and small kitchenette. Coming to UMI Arts means that you can meet and talk to our staff who are always happy to help Members where ever they can. So even if it is just for a dorris, drop into UMI Arts next time you are in Cairns and tell us what you think of our new Internet Café facility. UMI Arts Shop The Shop is a unique selling opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and cultural practitioners of Far North Queensland. The Shop is available to UMI Arts Members and is both a way of supporting emerging cultural practitioners as well as a showcase opportunity for more established artists. We are always looking to expand the range of products - particularly smaller gifts and items that suit a smaller wallet (items under $100). Next year we hope to expand the operations of the UMI Arts Shop and grow it as the place where you will find that special present for that hard-to-please friend or work colleague. Because the Shop is primarily a vehicle for UMI Arts Members and our Market stall holders, we accept stock on a consignment basis and take a very small commission. UMI Arts sales terms comply with the Indigenous Art Code. Buying from the UMI Arts shop means that monies go back to our mob and income from commissions helps UMI Arts to continue to deliver services and programs that keep our culture strong. UMI Arts Members using the Members internet and business lounge. UMI Arts Venue Hire UMI Arts home is a welcoming place to meet, chat and catch up on what is happening in and around the region. It is also a great place to hold workshops, meetings, and to create music, dance, arts and craft. UMI Arts has a white-walled gallery, shop, project space, and a large open span workshop/rehearsal area, as well as a large outdoor area and on-site parking. UMI Arts Members receive a 50% discount on the published venue hire rates and longer-term hire rates are negotiable. Venue hire charges range from $20-$50 per hour with special half day, daily and weekly rates. Kitchen and catering facilities are available on request. Whether you want a small private space for your next meeting or a large secure workshop space, call us and we will happily help you with your next event or activity. We can send you photos of the spaces and facilities we have available, as well as floor plans. umi arts retail and administration officer, Danelle Nicol in the umi arts shop UMI Arts Donors and Sponsors UMI Arts is a not-for-profit company and is a registered Deductible Gift Recipient. All donations over $2.00 and made payable to the UMI Arts Public Fund are fully tax deductible. A very big thank you to UMI Arts donors Ted and Kath Johnson, Dr Marian Hill, and UMI Arts sponsors GenerationOne, Arup, Fisher Buttrose Architects, Events NQ, and WIN TV. 9

10 UMI Arts Indigenous Markets The UMI Arts Indigenous Markets are a showcase and celebration of some of the best Indigenous music, dance, arts, craft and culture from across Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands. The Markets are annual, and happen on the last Friday of each month, from May to October. During the August period, additional Markets are programmed as part of UMI Art s annual Big Talk One Fire Indigenous Cultural Festival which is a partner event with the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) and Festival Cairns - as demonstrated in The 2009 and 2010 UMI Arts Indigenous Markets were delivered on the popular Cairns Esplanade as a community event, in partnership with the Cairns Regional Council. In 2010, the Markets also received funding support from Arts Queensland s Backing Indigenous Arts Building Skills and Development program. In 2010, the Indigenous Markets were included in the UMI Arts Signature event, Big Talk One Fire Indigenous Cultural Festival (BTOF2010) which was held over a five-day period in August. The BTOF2010 Markets featured local Indigenous dance and music performances, as well as market stall-holders selling a fresh range of handmade jewellery, artworks, crafts and artifacts - all original and all with unique Far North Queensland Indigenous style. The August Markets also showcased the Injinoo Dancers, who later went on to perform at Teho Ropeyarn s exhibition opening at UMI Arts in October. The katau zoeru dancers from Boigu Island performing at the final UMI Arts Indigenous Markets for 2010 The Markets are coordinated by the UMI Arts Events Manager, Renee Harris, and staged by UMI Arts staff and volunteers with the assistance of in-kind support from Cairns Regional Council and the Cairns Esplanade. 10 Some years ago, UMI Arts research identified that there were many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and groups living in Cairns, creating, rehearsing and performing in isolation, with no incentive or reason to come together, and no outlet to sell and promote their work. In response to local Indigenous interest and these identified needs, UMI Arts developed the UMI Arts Indigenous Markets in The Markets started out as a community cultural development initiative to bring families and individuals together, to participate in, practise and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, crafts, music, dance, songs, language and stories. The UMI Arts Indigenous Markets also provide a unique opportunity for Cairns locals and visitors to Cairns to immerse themselves in the rich and diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures of Far North Queensland. Cairns is a national and international tourist Mecca, yet there is little authentic presence of Far North Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Cairns. By 2010, The UMI Markets regularly attract an audience of 1,000-1,500 and tipped 3,000 visitors at the August 2010 Markets. In 2010, wet weather forced the cancellation of the July and September Markets however, this was made up for by staging two Markets in August and by extending the Market hours in October. During 2010, the Markets grew in size, strength and popularity. UMI Arts thanks the many musicians, performers, stall holders and bands who regularly come together on the Cairns Esplanade to make this a wonderful evening of cultural celebration and sharing. We look forward to starting the 2011 Markets in May next year. jun jun jarra at the final UMI Arts Indigenous Markets for 2010 UMI Arts Indigenous Markets 2011 Friday 27 May 5-9pm Friday 24 June 5-9pm Friday 29 July 5-9pm Big Talk One Fire Indigenous Cultural Festival Sunday 14 August 11-4pm Saturday 20 August 5pm till late Friday 30 September 5-9pm Friday 28 October 5-9pm See you all there! Have you missed previous issues of our Newsletter? Not a problem, you can contact us to have printed copies posted to you, or you can access digital copies at our web site: Also available online are our Indigenous Markets and Exhibition Ready brochures, the UMI Arts Membership brochure, and various other resources. UMI Arts is on Facebook! UMI Arts has just reached 1,500 friends on Facebook. If you are on Facebook as well, why not add UMI Arts as a friend and show your support via the internet. As a Facebook friend you will be kept up to date on events, photos, exhibitions and other news from UMI Arts and our Members. JOIN US NOW in supporting our mob! Clap-sticks by donald enoch

11 Exhibition Ready Program 2010 UMI Arts regularly 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 6-week exhibition at the UMI Arts galleries in Cairns.. Where the Rainforest Meets the Sea - Yalanji Country (26 November 2010 to 14 January 2011) Exhibition Ready Program 2010 In 2010, the Exhibition Ready Program saw UMI Arts Development Managers, Guy and Renee work with fourteen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, including three from Hope Vale and four from Wujal Wujal, as part of the outreach program, Exhibition Ready In- Community that was funded by the Regional Arts Fund (RAF). Congratulations to each of the artists that successfully completed this program in 2010: Des Green and Gavin Condren (2Spirits exhibition, 5 March - 7 April). Kel Williams, Robert Romelo and Ian Jensen (3-Pla group exhibition, 9 April - 30 June). Billy Missi (7 May - 7 August). Kathi Gibson, Harry Bowen and Evelyn McGreen (Pathways group exhibition, 21 August - 1 October). Teho Ropeyarn (8 October - 19 November). Cedric Friday, Glenn Mario Williams, Faron Nunn and Maurice Gibson (26 November - 17 January). During 2010, UMI Arts also mounted three group exhibitions: UMI Arts Indigenous Markets Showcase exhibition (22 January - 3 April). 2Spirits (5 March - 7 April). Pathways exhibition (21 August - 1 October), which showcased twenty-one of the twenty-five artists who had successfully completed our Exhibition Ready Program since it began in September Congratulations to all the artists who have participated in UMI Arts Exhibition Ready program in 2010, we wish you all every success on your continuing artistic journey and career. Shane Gibson exhibition (21 January to 4 March, 2011) Shane Gibson, Aka Dhuga, is a local artist from Hope Vale (Guumba). He is a member of the Bulgun, Thuubi, Dhaarrba and Bindhi clans of the Guugu Yimithirr nation. Born in Cairns in 1973, Shane grew up in Hope Vale, his traditional country through his grandmother Nancy Bowen. He received the name shane gibson Dhuga from his great grandfather Ngamu-dhuga. He uses this pseudonym on all his paintings. WHERE THE RAINFOREST MEETS THE SEA Yalanji Country An exhibition of recent work by Wujal Wujal artists: Sam Friday, Maurice Gibson, Faron Nunn, Glen Mario Williams 26 November January 2011 An exhibition of recent works by four Indigenous artists from Wujal Wujal was launched at UMI Arts Shop and Galleries on Friday 26 November, at 6pm. The exhibition was officially opened by the Mayor of Wujal Wujal and Board Director of UMI Arts, Desmond Tayley. Titled Where the rainforest meets the sea - Yalanji Country, the exhibition showcases the artwork of Cedric Friday, Maurice Gibson, Faron Nunn and Glenn Mario Williams. Included in the exhibition are works on canvas, artifacts and pottery. Speaking at the opening, artist Cedric Friday explained that Our exhibition is about our culture and stories that have been told to us by our Elders and by our family members. Wujal Wujal is north of Cairns and south of Cooktown. It is situated on the Bloomfield River, in the Bloomfield River Valley, 35kms of 4WD road from Cape Tribulation in the Daintree National Park. Approximately 500 people live in Wujal Wujal, from the Nyunkal, Yalanji, Jalanji and Buru Warra clan groups. This exhibition is part of the UMI Arts Exhibition Ready In Community Program which has been made possible by the Australian Government s Regional Arts Fund. Their support in 2010 gave artists and communities throughout regional, rural, and remote Australia better access to opportunities to practice and experience the arts. As part of Exhibition Ready In-Community Program, Victor Steffensen and Djerami Callope of Mulong Pty Ltd have made a 20-minute documentary which includes interviews and footage taken on field trips to Wujal Wujal and interviews with the artists at the opening of their exhibition in Cairns. Copies of the DVD are available from UMI Arts. An accomplished musician and didgeridoo player, Shane has only been painting for two years. He is rapidly establishing a name for himself as a respected artist who shares his story, and that of his family, about his local country and ancestral memories. (Clan-group spelling provided by the Artist) Faron Nunn, mayor desmond taley, Maurice Gibson and Cedric Friday upcoming UMI Arts Events and exhibitions in January - 4 March: Shane Gibson exhibition 9-10 February: Beginners linocut print workshop with Billy Missi 11 March - 21 April: Shane Wallis exhibition 11

12 victor steffensen of mulong pty ltd filming the exhibition ready wujal wujal dvd billy missi and renee harris talking with shores grammar students moses warasum and leo akee at the final indigenous markets for 2010 umi arts annual general meeting, october 2010 where the rainforest meets the sea - yalanji country exhibition opening Become a UMI Arts Member UMI Arts has two levels of membership, one for Indigenous cultural practitioners who have family and cultural connection to Far North Queensland, and one for all organisations, and for individuals who do not have cultural connection to FNQ. If you re applying for an Associate Membership, please include payment details and payment with your completed form. Thank you for supporting UMI Arts! Please return completed membership applications to UMI Arts: PO Box 1100, North Cairns, Qld Fax: (07) admin@umiarts.com.au Or you can visit us at: 335 Sheridan Street, North Cairns. UMI Arts Membership Application form This membership level is for Indigenous individuals who have traditional cultural connection to Far North Queensland. Details Name:... Clan/Language Group/Country: How are you connected to the area? (Eg. My mother is a Coen Woman)... Postal Address:... Residential Address:... Home Phone:... Work Phone:... Mobile Phone: Artform / Occupation (please tick ) Arts & Crafts Musician Performer Photographer Choreographer Art Centre co-ordinator Arts consultant Writer Web designer Graphic designer Sound Tech Stage manager MC Artistic Director Arts worker Other... Application date: Thank you for supporting UMI Arts Donation - please fill in donation amount $... Donations UMI Arts is also a Gift Deductible Recipient. All donations to UMI Arts Public Fund are fully tax deductible. If you would like to make a donation to UMI Arts please tick the relevant box below and fill in the details of your donation and the payment terms. Card Holder s Signature:... Expiry Date:... /... Total Amount: $... Card Number: Name on Credit Card:... Credit Card type:... Payment Details Method: Credit Card Cheque Cash Other Individual = $30/year Concession (PENSIONER OR STUDENT) = $20/year Couple = $50/year Family = $80/year Children = free if under the age of 12 years Not-for-profit & community groups = $80/year Public/private companies, Government Departments & agencies = $100/year Membership Fee (please tick ) Membership is for a 12 month period and is renewable annually. Application Date: Phone Number 2:... Phone Number 1:... Postal Address:... Contact at Organisation:... Name/Organisation:... Details UMI Arts Associate Membership Application form This membership level is for all organisations, and for individuals who do not have traditional cultural connection to Far North Queensland. This newsletter is printed on plantation paper using SOY-based inks