11 regional Indigenous art centres, including Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunki Inc, Yalanji Arts, at Mossman Gorge will share in $380,000 of government funding.
 
State Memeber for Cook, Jason O’Brien, said the boost was part of $480,000 in critical operational funding for 13 Indigenous art centres in Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait.
 
“IACs play an important role in our community. They provide a work space for local artists, employment opportunities and a cultural hub,” Mr O’Brien said.
 
“This funding is sourced from the Bligh Government’s Backing Indigenous Arts (BIA) program and without this kind of ongoing operational support, these centres would struggle.

“They produce many of the works for the highly successful and internationally acclaimed Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, which is also funded through BIA."
 
The annual operational grants allow IACs to employ professional artists, generate sales from artworks produced in the centres, train and employ staff, develop business plans and grow the next generation of artists.

“The Torres Strait Regional Authority, for example, will use $40,000 to ensure the continued employment of an arts development officer at Gab Titui Gallery and Cultural Centre on Thursday Island."
 
2011–12 IAC Annual Operational Funding program recipients were:
 

• Badhulgaw Kuthinaw Mudh Torres Strait Islander Corporation, Badu Island Arts: $40,000
• Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunki Inc, Yalanji Arts, Mossman Gorge: $30,000
• Erub Erwer Meta, Torres Strait Islander Corporation, Darnley Island: $40,000
• Gab Titui, Torres Strait Regional Authority: $40,000
• Girringun Aboriginal Corporation, Cardwell: $50,000
• Hopevale Arts & Cultural Centre, Aboriginal Corporation: $30,000
• Lockhart River Arts Aboriginal Corporation: $30,000
• Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation, Mornington Island Arts: $50,000
• Ngalmun Lagau Mineral Torres Strait Islander Corporation, MOA Island Arts: $40,000
• Pormpuraaw Arts and Cultural Centre Inc: $40,000
• Wei’num Aboriginal and TSI Arts and Crafts Corporation, Weipa: $15,000
• Wik and Kugu Arts and Craft, Aurukun Shire Council: $50,000
• Wujal Wujal Council, Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre: $25,000

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