ANNUAL REPORT UMI ARTS 2017 – 2018
Delissa Walker Ngadijina “Crab Hole”
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TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5 THE HEART OF UMI ARTS Chairperson’s Report 6 Executive Officer Report 8 Board and Staff 9 UMI Staff 11 Members 11
ADVANCING UMI 13 UMI Vision, Purpose, Mission 13 Governance 14 Financial status 14 Supporters, Sponsors, Partnerships and Community 16
PRESERVING, STRENGTHENING AND CELEBRANTING INDIGENOUS CULTURES Visual Arts Program 17
End of Spear Exhibition 18 Side by Side Exhibition 19 Exhibition Ready Exhibition – Carrying our History 20 Alumni Exhibition 20 You and Me Exhibition 21 Freshwater Saltwater 22 CIAF 23
Music Program 24
Big Talk One Fire 2017 24 Big Talk One Fire 2018 26
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Youth and Community Engagement 27
Cape York Acquisition Art Award 28 Cape York Natural Resource Management 28 Mabo Celebrations In Adelaide 28 Reconciliation Week Elders Morning Tea 29 UMI Arts Mental Health Week 29 Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation Towards Self Management Project 29
Showcasing Events and Cultural Tourism 30
UMI Arts Commonwealth Games markets 30 Patrick Mills visit 31 Curators and Collectors Luncheon 32 Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) 33
Commercial Development 34
UMI On-line Shop 34 Navy Indigenous Development Program (NIDP) 35 TSRA Memorandum Of Understanding 36 Torres Strait Arts and Craft Industry Forum 36 Fake Art Inquiry 36
Partnership Programs and Strategic Alliances 37
Association of Arnhem Northern and Kimberley Artists Aboriginal Corporation (ANKA) trip 37 Pullman Hotel 37
Evaluation Framework 39
Social Media 39 Towards the future 39
Front Cover:
Editor and Design: Michelle Torrens
Watermark Delissa Walker Ngadijina “Crab Hole”
Warning: The UMI Arts Annual Report 2017 – 2018 may contain images of deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Information in the UMI Arts Annual Report 2017 – 2018 is current at the time of printing.
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Executive Summary UMI Arts would like to acknowledge the Elders Past and Present: the Traditional Owners of Country: the Gimuy Walaburra Yindinji people: and the Singleton families. The Board of Directors and management and staff at UMI are very proud of what has been achieved in the last 12 months. UMI continues to build on the foundations from the previous year to strive to achieve a sustainable financial business model for the organisation. UMI has continued its reinvention and business growth over the last 12 months. New business relationships have been built to promote and encourage our member artists. This year 6 successful art exhibitions have been held in the UMI Galleries. UMI staff attended the Laura festival, hosted two Big Talk One Fire concerts and participated in Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) and the Darwin Aboriginal Arts Fair (DAAF).
History UMI Arts was established in 2005 with its mission to operate an Indigenous organisation that assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate in the maintenance, preservation and protection of cultural identity. UMI is a Creole word that means 'You and Me' – for UMI Arts this is very significant to us as we believe that we need to work together to keep our culture strong. An outcome of the “I Just Want to Paint” 2006 Report, the Cairns based UMI Arts was set up as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and managed by an all-Indigenous Board of Directors and staff. UMI Arts fulfils the role of peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts and Cultural organisation for Far North Queensland; an area that is defined by the federal electorates of Leichhardt and Kennedy. In 2008, UMI Arts successfully gained multi-year funding through the Visual Arts and Crafts Strategy (VACS) and was identified as the lead organisation to develop Indigenous Artists. In 2010, UMI Arts received national recognition when the Australia Council for the Arts’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board acknowledged UMI Arts as one of only four Building Organisations (Cultural Maintenance) in Australia. Furthermore during 2010 UMI launched its Arts Retail Shop of marketing saleable products made by local artist. UMI has grown and now incorporates an on-line shop to compliment the retail shop. We hold a number of exhibitions every year to continue to grow and develop our member artists. We are proud of the achievements of our members and helping them to achieve their dreams. UMI Arts will continue to be the incubator organisation that takes the time to help our artists on their journey of self-expression.
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THE HEART OF UMI ARTS Chairperson’s Report Leo B AKee JP (Magistrates Courts)
On behalf of the Board, I welcome you to another fine addition of the UMI Arts newsletter in 2018.
May I give my personal thanks and appreciation to my FATHER in HEAVEN for HIS many blessings, for the opportunities in my life I have to serve you; and I am forever grateful for His Son, my Saviour Jesus Christ who has been a perfect example in my life; for HIS love, His gift of charity; and His wonderful example of perseverance in trials that helps us to build defining moments and character in our own lives.
Can I acknowledge traditional owners of country the Gimuy Walabarra Yindinji people on whose land UMI Arts is established and the other numerous traditional owners of country that UMI Arts is blessed to represent within our geographical boundary as a peak Indigenous Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander arts and cultural organisation of choice for our people.
May I further acknowledge our Elders past and present for their life, their teachings; their knowledge of traditional practices; their commitment to maintain cultural identity & integrity, and their valuable support to help us preserve our rich traditional cultural heritage of Far North Queensland for our future generations.
I would also like to acknowledge the past commitment of the Late Uncle Roy McIvor Patron of UMI Arts Ltd and whose presence is greatly missed by us. Furthermore, I respectfully express our condolences to the UMI Arts family; and to those families who have also lost loved ones along the way.
UMI is only one of four peak organisations nationally to enjoy peak body status. In doing so, it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge my fellow Directors both past and present, all of whom contribute to the vision and direction of UMI Arts to place the organisation where it is today. Whilst we welcome some new faces to UMI including Samantha Martin, etc might I acknowledge the work and commitment of our Executive Officer Peter Lenoy, Business Manager Lisa Michl, Retail Officer Thelma Savage and at the same wish Deb Avery a swift recovery.
Our membership continues to swell, with over 800 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with Traditional cultural connection to Far North Queensland, as we head towards our intended target of 1000 members. Our Associate members are supporting UMI Arts through their generous contributions and we encourage others to take up the opportunity as well.
Our core funding partners Office of the Arts (OFTA), Australia Council for the Arts and Arts Queensland (AQ) all of who continue to support us with operational funding. We are currently in the process of looking for valuable dollars needed for infrastructure development as the premises we occupy in Sheridan Street has been placed on the market and we are uncertain as to our future there. The Board would prefer that we try and build our own office, galleries, music/ recording studio hence the need to secure key infrastructure funding. In the meantime I have managed to negotiate a possible peppercorn lease over 18months with the Cairns Regional Council for the old Mulgrave Shire Building, and only await Council’s decision.
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UMI continues to form alliances with the other peaks and only recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Torres Strait Regional Authority so we are looking forward to working much closely with the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island with joint arts/ cultural activities. This is vital as we head towards cementing key partnerships to enable us to initiate employment & training programs to build the Indigenous arts sector in the Far North.
We continue to support CIAF and enjoy continued success with our own Big Talk One Fire and look forward to recommencing Small Brother Small Sister. Finally, UMI Arts will be having negotiations with community/ government/ industry in the near future to further the Gimuy Wabu Arts HUB Report given that the development of Munro Martin Park and the expected completion of the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled to be held on Wednesday17th October 2018 and I encourage members to attend.
May I take this opportunity to say thank you to the Board and members for entrusting me with your faith and confidence in my 6yrs as Chair of a wonderful organisation; and I wish you all well in your endeavours for the future.
I invite you on behalf of the Board of UMI Arts to come along and become an active member and help us celebrate our successes.
Sincerely & GOD Bless
Leo ‘Beizam’ AKEE JP (Magistrates Court) CHAIR UMI Arts Ltd 28th August 2018
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Executive Officer Report Peter Lenoy
I would like to acknowledge the UMI Arts Board of Directors and staff and thank them for their support and guidance for the 2017/18 financial year. The 2017/18 fiscal year has been a very big year for UMI Arts as we had a lot of challenges that came with it. These challenges whilst trying were conquered by way of doing things the old fashion way as well as new ways of doing business.
I am pleased to report that we kicked the year off with partnering the Laura Dance festival with delivering on the Cape York Art Acquisition Awards. And for this I whole heartily thank Andrew and Francoise Lane for rolling out the Cape York Art Exhibition at Laura.
In 2017/18 UMI Arts had delivered on 8 exhibitions (including Laura) 2 Big Talk One Fire festivals, 3 markets (Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair and Commonwealth Games), and one Side by Side artist workshop. We also found time to include working with our new partners (Royal Australian Navy) in delivering our cultural Dance and Art Instructional services with the Navy Indigenous Development Program (NIDP) and Reconciliation Week in acknowledging our Elders with a Morning Tea event.
We also note our other partner the Pullman International Hotel where we have developed a key relationship of hanging our fine art in their establishment for the benefit of our artist. In the midst of 2017/2018 UMI Arts had consolidated our relationship with a number of key stakeholders such as the Cairns Regional Council, Tourism Indigenous Champions Network, Cape York Natural Resource Management, Ergon Energy, Life Without Barriers, Arnhem, Northern and Kimberley Artists Aboriginal Corporation, Torres Strait Regional Authority and Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation.
UMI Arts were very happy when Patty Mills of the American Basketball team Antonio Spurs inadvertently dropped in to officially launch the Commonwealth Games Regional Basketball schedule for Far North Queensland. It was such an honour to have Patty visit UMI Arts.
I am further pleased to report that the Board of Directors had undergone a Governance Appraisal which ensures UMI Arts is compliant with our Funding Partners. As a year of great achievements for UMI Arts, I would like the opportunity to introduce new staff of Samantha Martin, Michelle Torrens, Smith Lui, Pauline Burns and Theo Tremblay, who at key times assisted UMI in the delivery of our programs.
UMI Arts would like to thank all staff and contractors for their great work for the Corporation over the last 12 months. UMI Arts also thanks its funding partners, and is honoured that following support has been received from:
• Arts Queensland for organisational funding • Ministry of the Arts to support staff and delivery of UMI Arts Visual Arts Programs • Ministry of the Arts Five year funding for 2 fulltime staff positions • Australia Council for the Arts Four Year Visual Arts and Crafts Strategy • Australia Council for the Arts Year Organisational Funding.
During 2017/2018 UMI Arts continued to deliver its annual suite of programs such as exhibitions, events and activities as well as introducing new activities from a range of government and philanthropic funding sources.
I want to acknowledge the 800 plus Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people who are UMI Arts members. UMI Arts exists because of their commitment and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, culture and music in Far North Queensland.
Peter Lenoy Executive Officer
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Board Members Leo B Akee Chairperson
Leo’s traditional name is Beizam and he is of the Geuram & Zagareb tribes: two of the eight tribes of Mer. His peoples are the traditional owners of Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Strait. His Totems are: Beizam (Shark); Galbol (Whale); Bid (Dolphin); Tabo (Snake); Serar (Tern); Deumer (Torres Strait Pigeon) and Waumer (Red chested Frigate Bird). With 30 years’ experience in the arts, his art forms of choice include: artefacts, wood carving, cultural dance, signing, song writing, music composition and on stage entertainment. Leo was formerly the District Manager of Education Queensland/DETA, a Councillor of the Torres Shire Council (1997 – 2000) and Deputy Mayor of the Torres Strait (2000 – 2004). He has sat on many national Committees and Boards, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board of the Australia Council for the Arts, Australia Council for the Arts National Indigenous Advisory Reference Group, James Cook University Vice Chancellors Business Advisory Committee and National Indigenous Training Advisory Council. Leo joined the UMI Arts Board in 2008. Noel Zaro OAM Deputy Chairperson
Noel’s Totem is Nam (Green sea turtle), and the Womer (Man-of-war hawk). He is a descendant of the Dowareb tribe, part of the Murray Island group. His language is Meriam Mir, the Murray Island language that is spoken in the Eastern Torres Strait. Noel has vast experience in the arts and his art forms of choice include teaching and performing traditional Murray Island Dances. His dance group has toured and performed both nationally and internationally. He was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2010 for service to the promotion and teaching of Torres Strait Islander Culture through Gerib Sik Dancers. Noel first became a Member of UMI Arts in 2010. Priscilla Major Director
Priscilla’s bush name is Ma Cheltrulalie. She is of the Kokoberra – Kokomeranda language group. Her peoples are the traditional owners of the Mitchell River area, including the Aboriginal community of Kowanyama. Priscilla is of the Lightening, Sour Yam and Shark clan group. She was born on Danbar Station via Normanton and has a blood-line connection to the country of Kowanyama and Normanton. Priscillia first became a Director of UMI Arts in 2005, to share her traditional knowledge and stories.
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Robert Tommy Pau Director
Tommy is a descendent of the Eastern Torres Strait Islands, Australian Aboriginal, Papua New Guinea, Pacific Islander and Asia. He speaks Torres Strait Creole and Australian English. He was taught about the need to keep culture strong through cultural practice by his father. He has a strong commitment to keeping old traditions alive and believes that culture must remain true to the past and move with time to exist in the future. In 2016, Tommy won the Telstra Work on Paper Award as part of the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA). Tommy first joined UMI Arts in 2012 to learn Board governance skills and actively participate in the strategic vision of UMI Arts. Michael Solomon Director
Michael is from Torres Strait Islander/Aboriginal descent and is a Traditional Owner and the Chair of the Gudang Yadhaykenu Corporation. Michael has a Diploma in Environmental Health and has been a practicing artist since 1992. He is an active member of the NPA community in regard to the arts and the environment. Michael was a Director back in 2005 and is again back on the board.
Lynelle Flinders Director
Lynelle is a descendant of the Dharrba Warra Clan from the Starke river area north of Cooktown. She was born and raised along with my brothers and sisters, in Cairns, North Queensland. In 2010 Lynelle enrolled at TAFE in Cert III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Cultural Arts course. Lynelle found she really enjoyed it and completed the Certificate III and Certificate IV in one year. She then went on to complete Cert III in Micro Business & the Certificate IV in TAE (Training and Assessment) and graduated with a Diploma in Indigenous Visual Arts in 2012.
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Members
UMI Arts membership is made up from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with blood-line connection to the Far North Queensland region. UMI Arts’ coverage of the area is the federal electorates of Kennedy and Leichhardt. We also welcome and offer membership to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people without connection to Far North Queensland and to non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people we welcome you too as friends. UMI ARTS currently has a membership of 860.
UMI Staff Peter Lenoy Executive Officer Peter’s fathers people are Kuku Djunkan and on his mother’s side, Jittable. He associates himself as Yarrabah/Palm Island people as his father was born on Yarrabah and is mother grew up in the dorms on Palm Island. Peter commenced as the EO at UMI Arts in March 2017 Lisa Michl Ko-manggén Business Manager Lisa Michl Ko-manggén is of the Kokoberrin language group and her homelands on her mother’s and grandmother’s side are known as Pinnarinch and stretch between Staaten River National Park in the south and north to Nassau River, including Wyabba Creek and Dorunda Lodge area. In Kokoberrin language Ko-manggén means “Saltwater catfish”. This totem name was given to Lisa by her great grandfather, the most senior Kokoberrin elder and lore man.
Lisa is a celebrated Kokoberrin artist from Central Western Cape York Peninsula in Queensland Australia. Over her career through both payed and voluntary employment Lisa has demonstrated a passion and dedication to building pathways and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practitioners. Lisa has been involved in UMI Arts since its inception in March 2005. Lisa was Chairperson of UMI Arts for several years and has then since been an employee of UMI Arts. Over this time Lisa has been company Secretary and is currently our UMI Arts Business Manager.
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Thelma Savage Retail Manager Thelma is the Retail & Gallery Officer here at Umi Arts. I am proud Torres Strait Islander Women from Arkai, Mua in the Torres Strait (Kubin Community, Moa Island). She commenced at UMI Arts in November 2016 and since has sold many new products throughout the gallery gift shop and launched the online shop through our website. Prior to working at Umi, she spent 6 years working at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island, working in various roles from Visitors Services officer, Retail and Gallery Assistant, Gallery Officer and Retail Officer.
Deb Avery Communications and Marketing Manager Deb is a Palawa woman from Tasmania started with UMI Arts in April 2016. Her ancestors on her mother’s side are from Moa Island. For over twenty years she has worked in communities in Tasmania, Western Australia and Queensland. Deb is currently on leave.
Contractors:
Shannon Brett – Curator Pullman, You & Me Exhibition, Freshwater Saltwater Exhibition and Community Markets Bernard Singleton Jnr, Curator Alumni Exhibition, CIAF, DAAF and End of Spear Exhibition Francoise Lane, Curator for Laura Andrew Lane, Contractor Laura William Blanko, Event Manager Big Talk One Fire 2017 Samantha Martin, Company Secretary and On-line sales Smith Lui, Event Manager Big Talk One Fire 2018 Pauline Burns, Volunteer, Big Talk One Fire 2018 Michelle Torrens, Admin Curator Assistant Freshwater Saltwater 2018 Theo Tremblay, Curator Freshwater Saltwater 2018
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ADVANCING UMI
OUR VISION
UMI Arts is recognised for sharing, listening to, respecting and strengthening our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Far North Queensland and leading a strong cultural economy.
OUR PURPOSE / MISSION
UMI Arts mission is to be an all Indigenous managed organisation that is nationally recognised as the peak arts and cultural organisation for Far North Queensland. 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 and communities in Far North Queensland.
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Governance
As a public company, UMI Arts Ltd is owned by its members. The role of the Directors is to govern the operations of the company within the bounds of the Constitution and shape the organisation and lead the organisation into the future. As we adapt and adjust to the challenges we face as the external world evolves, and replace old ways with new energy and direction, the Board of Directors stay strong and positive while they guide and lead us to achieve our strategic goals. UMI Arts Directors are respected business and community leaders, artists and cultural practitioners. They have diverse backgrounds, and between them are accomplished in a wide range of skills which they can contribute to leading this organisation into the future. Arts Queensland requested that all art funded services/organisations undertake a Governance appraisal. Arts provided funds for the Board to undertake Governance training. Trackers was engaged to deliver the governance appraisal for UMI Arts to be compliant with both Australia Council and Arts Qld. In March 2018, UMI Arts undertook a governance appraisal which critically examined the governance processes and strategic orientation of UMI Arts. From this analysis a report was provided which set out observations and recommendations to assist the Board and staff. It was noted that many of the findings are issues and challenges that smaller not-for-profit organisations face. Trackers presented this report to the UMI Directors and staff. A number of actions were recommended for the board’s consideration with a framework of up to 12 months for implementation.
Financial Status
UMI Arts’ financials operate on the MYOB accounting and business system (including MYOB retail manager for the Retail Shop) and reporting is completed on a fiscal year basis. To ensure we fulfil requirements for all major funding partners that operate on a business year, UMI Arts’ Business Plan, Annual Program Plan and supporting budgets are presented on a calendar year basis. UMI Arts’ daily financial operations are managed by the UMI Arts’ Business Manager. Over the past twelve months the organisations financial procedures and operations have been streamlined. Wedrat Accountants is engaged to review the accounts on a quarterly basis to provide advice to the Business Manager and Directors, if and as required. UMI Arts’ appointed Auditor is Jessups.
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The UMI Arts Gift Shop in Cairns exclusively sells artworks and products on behalf of its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members. UMI Arts has a limited range of its own merchandise for sale in the Shop. Income from commission on sales from the Shop and exhibitions helps support the delivery costs of UMI Arts programs. UMI Arts’ core funding is received from a range of Funding bodies including the: • Ministry for the Arts (National Jobs Package and Indigenous Visual Arts Infrastructure Strategy) • Arts Queensland (Organisations Fund 2017 - 2020) • Australia Council (Visual Arts Crafts Strategy) • National Indigenous Arts Infrastructure Program. Currently UMI Arts is reliant on securing one-off funding to deliver its annual programs. UMI Arts’ Business enterprises services have been steadily building momentum, and we predict that earned income will grow to form a much larger percentage of the organisations financials.
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Supporters and Sponsors, Partnerships and Community
UMI Arts gratefully acknowledges the support of Sponsors and Partners who work with us and beside us as we strengthen and maintain our role as a peak arts and cultural organisation of Far North Queensland. Our team spent a considerable amount of time this year reporting & completing the financial acquittals for Australia Council and Arts QLD for the 2017 calendar year. UMI Arts was advised by Arts Qld that we needed to continue to engage with the philanthropic sector to meet our KPI’s. We continue to source funding from the philanthropic sector. Our successes result from an integrated approach to achieving our vision and are due in part to our Sponsors and Partners who are beside us on the UMI Arts journey which include:
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PRESERVING, STREGTHENING AND CELEBRATING INDIGENOUS CULTURES. VISUAL ARTS PROGRAM ABORIGINAL ARTEFACT END OF SPEAR EXHIBITION LAUNCH November 2017
The exhibition was curated by Bernard Singleton Jnr and was comprised of stone axes, handmade spears, digging sticks, fighting sticks and fire sticks and much more.
The “End of the Spear” exhibition unveiled the art of a small group of craftsmen actively producing and continuing the art and traditional cultural practices from the region while presenting the artists notions of masculinity, warrior hood and the ideal male role within an ancient culture.
Traditional knowledge/practice is seen as a living body of knowledge that is developed, sustained and passed on from generation to generation within a community, often forming part of a cultural or spiritual identity.
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SIDE BY SIDE PROGRAM The UMI Arts Side by Side Program enables UMI Arts Members to run workshops for other members, to share their knowledge and skills, to encourage further education and skills development and to also provide a fun, safe, community atmosphere for UMI Arts Members to get together and learn side by side.
Past workshops have included:
Introduction to lino-cut carving & printing Beginners wood carving Beginners stretching and priming canvas Animation workshops (Facilitated by Australian Film Television and Radio School) Beginners painting techniques Framing & Stretching works Papermaking workshop: Paper pulp, plants and landscape Lino printing workshops Making art packaging systems for fine art packing and freight
This year we employed Ms Donna Bush to run the program consisting of all women who were taught and mentored by a number of existing artists who are skilled in the arena of passing on knowledge. The program included Fabric dying, Lino Block printing and Printmaking to name a few. About 10 women in total attended the 3 day workshop with all giving rave reviews on the program. Three artists Pauline Burns, Cheryl Creed and Shannon Shaw were showcased in this curated exhibition by Bernard Singleton Jnr.
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EXHIBITION READY
The UMI Arts “Exhibition Ready” program is a skills-development program for Far North Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait
The program takes artists through each step of gallery exhibition preparation, presentation and promotion, whilst working towards a 6-week long exhibition at UMI Arts gallery space in Cairns.
The program provides all the advice about how to get started. At the end of the program members have their first exhibition.
This program also helps members who have already exhibited but want to refine their industry knowledge and professional practices to the next level.
The program covers areas including:
Preparing your artist profile and CV Pricing works Preparing labels and stories Professional installation and lighting Marketing your exhibition Coordinating an exhibition opening Working with art centres and dealers Indigenous Art Code Certificates of authenticity Accessing new opportunities and funding for future exhibitions
By the end of the process participants will have a complete body of work, together with a reusable kit with all the formal and legal documentation required to continue practicing as a professional exhibiting artist.
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CARRYING OUR HISTORY EXHIBITION
Across the ages traditionally women have always carried their lives, family and culture in woven bags (grass, reed, leaves and vines) or other traditional vessels such as cardamom, bark and woven platters. As modern women today this traditional custom continues through the carrying vessels and contents of the bags are different. Now days the carrying vessel are hand bags, purses, cloth purses, tote bags and the list goes on. A typical woman’s hand bag contents would hold money, credit cards, make-up, perfume depending on the woman (mother, career woman, young woman). The title “Carrying our History” was a collaboration of the women exchanging knowledge relating to our printing program where the women learnt printing techniques and carving designs onto blocks and using fabric paint to transfer their designs onto calico bags. “Carrying Our History” reflects and connects new and old culture and techniques, bringing the local women together, exchanging history not only through the side by side program but through yarning, laughing and the sharing of all women’s business.
ALUMNI Exhibition 2018
We kicked off 2018 with the much anticipated Annual Alumni Exhibitions by UMI Arts Alumni Group esteemed Artists; Lynelle Flinders and Robert Tommy Pau.
Picture: BRENDAN RADKE
Artists Lynelle Flinders and Robert Tommy Pau were thrilled to curate their own exhibitions and show their work in the Alumni Exhibition at UMI Arts.
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‘Ad Wer’ by Robert Tommy Pau and ‘Feathered’ by Lynelle Flinders were two very different exhibitions yet they showcase in unity to reveal new artworks that will inspire us all to advocate for new beginnings and new directions. Tommy Pau’s Ad Wer explores the concepts of the cosmos and constellation mapping from Babylonian civilisations and the Torres Strait. Lynelle’s works feature prints of birds on window shutters.
YOU & ME EXHIBITION
UMI engaged Ms Shannon Brett to curate our “You & Me” Members Exhibition which was launched in March 2018 and ran over the Commonwealth Games regional activities in Cairns. Twelve artists participated in this exhibition.
The UMI Arts Members ‘You and Me’ exhibition is an annual curated group exhibition of cultural celebration in which the artists present art acknowledging themselves, their families and their communities. The exhibition consists of recent paintings, sculpture, prints, textiles and woven structures by local and regional artists and represents UMI Arts members and their communities who create artworks with significance regarding their culture and way of life.
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Over 50 people attended the event with many of them being new attendees.
UMI had trialled an Evaluation Framework from Culture Counts during the Members Exhibition launch to receive feedback from members and visitors.
Freshwater Saltwater 2017
The exciting and much anticipated annual UMI Arts Freshwater Saltwater exhibition is a curated exhibition showcasing the rich artistic diversity of Far North Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities.
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The conceptual theme for the 2017 Freshwater Saltwater exhibition was a Story about Self; whereby the artist would create dynamic new artwork about their personal place in or out of country. There were 16 artists involved in this year’s exhibition which ran from July until 11 August 2017.
Freshwater Saltwater Exhibition 2017 Artists included Simone Arnol, Paul Bong, Harold Bowen, Henry Brim, Dora Deemal, Dorothy Edwards, Melanie Hava, Francoise Lane, Agnes Mark, Arone Meeks, Lisa Michl, Nerelle Nicol, Fiona Omeenyo, Taicee Pearson, Bernard Singleton Jnr, and Delissa Walker.
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) 2017
UMI Arts was well represented at CIAF with Bernard Singleton & Simone Arnold being contracted to curate UMI’s gallery. We had a number of artworks being sold to an array of visitors. UMI also had works by Tanya Major in our gallery which proved to be a drawcard due to Ms Major’s high profile.
Artists in the gallery included Bernard Singleton Jnr, Lisa Michl, Justin Majid, Simone Arnol, Melanie Hava, Kassandra Savage, William Savage, Sharon Wallace. UMI ensures that we have a diverse range of works included in this ‘high- end’ event. One of our planned objectives this year was to gain exposure for a new artist. This was achieved with an artist gaining commission work from galleries and collectors.
DATSIP Minister Mark Furner and artist Sharon Wallace in front of the painting he bought at CIAF.
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Music Program BIG TALK ONE FIRE 2017
UMI Arts “Big Talk-One Fire” is an Indigenous Cultural Festival which is an alcohol & drug free event that UMI Arts hosts every year at Fogarty Park Amphitheatre on the Cairns Esplanade. This year’s event occurred on 15 July 2017. William Blanco was the Big Talk Coordinator.
The annual festival celebrates the whole of Indigenous culture coming together including showcasing visual arts and crafts, traditional dance, performance and music.
The key focus of the Big Talk One Fire was seeing, sharing and hearing culture in Art, Dance, Song and Cuisine and sharing stories, realities and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the diverse communities of Far North Queensland. Big Talk One Fire is served as an intergenerational gathering that brings together Elders, Artists, cultural practitioners and indigenous and non-indigenous community participants and audience, individuals, couples, families young and old witnessing the importance of keeping culture strong, working together and showcasing indigenous talent to the wider community.
National and international visitors are provided with a first-hand cultural experience and hands on participation that they wouldn’t receive on their holiday tour guide trips. The transition and flow of crowd participation, throughout the day illustrated the interest, love and support by indigenous and non-indigenous audiences witnessing the showcasing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
The event attracted an audience at one given time being in the 1500’s, and also during the entire duration would have reached 5000 comfortably.
The MadJay Shield Project was part of a diverse cultural presentation that showcased story, history and culture to a very broad audience. This culminated in a visual projection of shield patterns onto a 6 meter shield shaped screen.
Activities also included traditional and non-traditional workshops by cultural practitioners including traditional weaving workshops engaging with the audience and a variety of indigenous food stall holders showcasing indigenous cuisine to quench audience appetite’s
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during the duration of the day. Big talk One Fire Event concluded with the world renowned Injinoo Dance Troupe engaging audience to a dance off extravaganza.
Apart from providing employment opportunities for the 12 Dance troupes and performers, UMI Arts created:
8 part time jobs to undertake Big Talk bumping in and bumping out activities 4 part time staff to undertake crowd surveys
UMI Arts also partnered with Kris Martin to deliver the MadJay Shield Project funded by Arts Qld, which provided short term contractual employment for 18 Indigenous Dancers and 3 projectionist artist.
Five family businesses profiteered from operating food stalls in supplying hot traditional food and cold drinks. Another 8 art & craft stallholders also sold T-Shirts and handmade gift type products to the general public.
UMI engaged two artists to provide basket weaving classes, children face painting and storytelling workshops.
Through another partnership with Cape York Natural Resource Management - Cape Create Anti-Litter campaign, UMI Arts employed an artist to design and create a sculpture made from litter.
There was random sampling of 42 festival attendees through our Big Talk survey;
Of a scale of 1 to 10, majority rated the festival at No 10 - Excellent event; UMI Arts received a letter of commendation from Mayor Manning congratulating event organisers;
A recommendation from this year’s project report supported changing the date away from CIAF. The next event was booked for end of June 2018.
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BIG TALK ONE FIRE 2018 Saturday 23rd June 2018
BIG TALK ONE FIRE in 2018 was held on Saturday 23rd June 2018 on a very wet June day. This event was managed by Smith Lui.
The event attracted an audience at any given time of approximately 1500 which during the entire duration would have reached 2000 comfortably.
This year we had a total of 3 food stalls, 1 food trailer, 1 stall selling ice blocks, 10 arts and craft stall holders, weaver’s workshop, and a kid’s corner. Feedback from our stall holders, performers and audience stated that Fogarty Park had a great atmosphere.
Temporary employment opportunities, and voluntary positions were offered to a number of people to assist with bumping in at the beginning of the event, and bumping out at the end. Umi Arts engaged with Council to provide a sound technician to manage the stage set up, sound system, lighting and assistance with bumping in and bumping out, an electrician to help the food stalls with their operations, as well as the use of a cold room provided by Cairns Cold Room.
3 Indigenous families provided fresh hot meals throughout the event, a food vender provided other meals, nick knacks and cold drinks. For the first time we had a stall holder selling tropical fruit juice ice blocks, along with the usual 10 Arts and Craft Stall Holders, junk weavers workshop, an Elders weaving corner, and a kid’s corner run by a qualified childcare teacher.
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Youth and Community Engagement Cape York Acquisitive Art Award 2017
The Cape York Acquisitive Art Award is a biennial project between UMI Arts and partner Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival (LADF). The judging process is coordinated by the LADF Committee. The Cape York Acquisitive Art Award is an acquisitive award with the winning artworks becoming the property of the LADF Art Collection. This project crossed 2 financial year reporting periods as it ran from Friday 22nd June until Sunday 2nd July. There was a total of 14 submissions received. Entry is free which makes the Award accessible to artists in remote indigenous communities to participate in. The table following breaks down the number of entries per category.
AWARD CATEGORIES RECIPENT AWARD
The Cape York Emerging Artist Award Joseph McIvor “Returning Home, $5000 2016”
The Cape York Established Artist Award Bernard Singleton “Spear and Spear $3000 Thrower, 2017”
The Cape York Art & Craft Award Elliot Koonutta “Untitled, 2015” $1000
The Cape York Schools Award No entries received PRIZE
Our display included a submission of an emerging artist’s ghost net sculptures from the acclaimed Pormpuraaw Arts & Cultural Centre. Pormpuraaw Artists at the time had a ghost net collection exhibiting internationally. Secondly, was the purchase of five artworks separate to the three acquired by the LADF as winners of the Cape York Acquisitive Art Award categories. The Project Co-Ordinator connected buyers with artists and artist representatives present at the Festival.
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A new artist presenting in the Emerging Artist category received a great deal of interest from display visitors. A number of people were interested in purchasing her artwork on display and expressed interest in seeing more of her work. This event provided an excellent opportunity to market UMI Arts and many visitors had not heard of UMI Arts previously. It was also a great opportunity to connect with members. A total of 4 membership forms were taken as well as 3 non-voting membership forms and one friend of UMI Arts form.
Cape York Natural Resource Management (CYNRM)
“Changing Littering Behaviour through Arts” Program. The program was delivered in partnership with UMI Arts and CYNRM at Big Talk One Fire promoting environmental awareness and educating people about the effects of rubbish, particularly plastics in Cape York in partnership with the Cape Create Crew. An artist created a sculpture made from litter.
Mabo Day celebrations in Adelaide
UMI Arts received an invitation to provide a power point presentation as ‘a gift’ to the people of South Australia to be played at an event in Adelaide. This was the first time the South Australian Government had recognised the importance publically of the MABO decision.
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Reconciliation Week Elders Morning Tea at UMI Arts
A grant was applied for and received from DATSIP’s Celebrating Reconciliation Grants Program. To help UMI Arts celebrate National Reconciliation Week 2018 we invited a number of elders, guest speakers, staff and performers to help us celebrate at UMI.
The Theme, “Don’t keep history a mystery-Learn-Share-Grow” was embraced and promoted with the Welcome to Country by Carl Fourmile, speeches from Peter Lenoy, Executive Officer UMI Arts, Richie Bates- Cairns Regional Council, Michael Healy MP- Member for Cairns. Performers included Minjil Dancers and Gerib Sik Dancers.
There were 30 to 40 people attended including Yarrabah Elders, staff, guest speakers and performers.
Morning tea was prepared and served by UMI staff.
Surveys were provided to those who attended and responses included: It was wonderful – Great bunch of people UMI Arts staff needs to be congratulated for conducting a very informed and inclusive event which captured the spirit of Reconciliation Well organised – need more Elders present from different communities Everything - It was great heartfelt and genuine; The cross-section of speakers and Dancers were all inclusive. Catering was spot on; Presentation of event – Traditional Dancing & Guest presents.
UMI Arts Mental Health Week 2017
UMI carried out activities to assist in increasing the awareness of Mental Health during National Mental Health Week. A morning tea was held with men’s and women’s yarning circles being conducted. The intent of the activities was to create an awareness of health and wellbeing amongst our community by opening up UMI Arts to our consumers, carers and clients.
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VINCENT FAIRFAX FAMILY FOUNDATION TOWARDS SELF- MANAGEMENT PROJECT
The Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation had generously offered UMI Arts funding over three years towards a program of workshops, exhibitions and training for artist in two remote communities in Far North Queensland. The Towards Self-Management program was delivered to artist and art workers in Yarrabah and the Northern Peninsular Area (NPA), through their art centres and in partnership with their respective local councils. The Towards Self-Management program was a 3 year platform which strategically delivered capacity building confidence and expertise in the two identified communities. Identified outcomes were in the form of artist workshops, participation in Exhibition Ready, Alumni exhibitions and the “Go See” tours. The Towards Self-Management was a partnership between the Communities, Councils, Artists and Arts Centres of two remote communities in Far North Queensland (Yarrabah and the Northern Peninsular Area), UMI Arts and the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation. UMI Arts engaged a contractor in August/September 2017 to undertake a series of consultations and in-house workshops with key stakeholders in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA), Council staff, local artists and tour operators.
The final report was provided in October and identified a number of suggested changes to the way the NPA Art Centre currently operated. The grant was acquitted in November.
Showcasing Events and Cultural Tourism UMI ARTS MARKETS Commonwealth Games
UMI Arts delivered activities during the Commonwealth Games regional activities from the 4th to 15 April. We elected to host Community Markets to Come Celebrate with Us: Our art, our stories and held Artist Talks and Elders Yarning Circles.
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The markets were held at the back at UMI. Expressions of interest were sent out to the community seeking stallholders who were charged a small fee. The markets were held on a Friday and Saturday in November. There was no entry fee for the general public to access our markets. However there was an entry fee to access the artist talks and Elders Storytelling activities.
UMI Arts held artist talks, traditional dance, and a solo singing artist. Unfortunately the attendance for community was poor which we have attributed to poor marketing.
Patrick Mills Visit
Patty Mills is an Australian professional basketball player in the USA NBA. Born and raised in Canberra, Mills is of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Australian descent.
In 2007, he became only the third Indigenous basketball player to play for Australia. Patty is widely recognised as one of Australia’s best basketball exports and is an inspiration for many
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young Australians and a leader within Indigenous communities across the country. He was named as an official Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Ambassador.
Tourism Events Queensland approached UMI Arts for the engagement of suitable a artist to design artwork for two Commonwealth Games game basketballs. The balls were then presented as gifts to UMI Arts and Gub Titui Arts Centre.
As part of this engagement Tourism Events Queensland organised for Ambassador Mr Patty Mills to visit UMI as part of a media campaign launch of the announcement of the regional basketball heats in both Cairns and Townsville.
Tommy Pau and Bernard Singleton Jnr were selected as the artists to provide Indigenous designs and imagining artworks on the game basketballs for marketing purposes for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in 2018 on behalf of Tourism Events Queensland.
As part of the Commonwealth Games media launch Patty was presented with the basket balls and a backboard done by local artist Brian Robinson. It was an honour to have UMI Arts and our members involved in this momentous occasion with esteemed partners the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation to celebrate Cairns as the City to host the regional men’s and women’s Basketball competitions in 2018.
Curators & Collectors Luncheon
UMI Arts presented our Annual Curators and Collectors luncheon catering for over 60 visiting Curators and Collectors who are in Cairns to attend CIAF.
Ms Delissa Walker provided an artist talk on her basket weaving. We received terrific feedback from Ms Hetti Perkins was so pleased with the noticed changes to the retail shop and gallery in that she sent a “Thank You” email to congratulate UMI on a job well done.
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Curator and Collectors lunch.
DARWIN ABORIGINAL ART FAIR (DAAF)
UMI Arts staff attended the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair and represented the following member artists in our curated gallery space:
Bernard Singleton Jnr Steve Tranby Murgha Lisa Michl Justin Majid Simone Arnol Kassandra Savage Melanie Hava Maletta Savage William Savage
Our regional artists were successfully showcased and the feedback from the public and other exhibitors was very positive. North Queensland’s vast range of Artists and their wide range of different mediums, clothing, fabric, homewares and textiles were on display.
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Commercial Development UMI Online Shop
In February 2017, UMI Arts received funding from Department of Employment and Small Business to purchase laptops to undertake roving surveys in line with the Culture count program. However we sought a variation to the original grant so at nil cost to UMI we could get our online shop up and running and allow UMI Arts to trade 24/7.
We trialled main stock items and the IT consultant developed a catalogue of UMI products to upload into our online shop. The Digital E-commerce online shop is functional and tested and will be ramped up in the next year.
NAVY Indigenous Development Program (NIDP)
As UMI delivers a quality art & dance program we were successful in tendering and being awarded a contract to operate cultural programs for the Australian Defence Force Recruitment Program of Indigenous Cadets. The cultural program was delivered by Gerib Sik Torres Strait Islander dance group and others. Three contractors worked with UMI Arts to deliver this program which involved delivering Dance Instructions (both Aboriginal & Torres Strait) and Art classes for the Indigenous Naval recruits.
UMI has engaged the services of:
Mr Noel Zaro OAM of Gerib Sik to deliver Torres Strait Islander dance instructions; Mr Karl Fourmile - Local Traditional Owner Minjil Dancers to deliver Aboriginal dance instructions & Mr Tommy Pau – well-known Local artist & winner of the 2016 Telstra Art award to deliver cultural art services.
The cultural program accumulated with a graduation ceremony at the Cairns Naval Base in June 2018 where the recruits display their artworks and new found dance skills.
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Indigenous Naval Recruits Survey Results It appears the majority of the recruits rated the Arts & Dance activities as Excellent and that they were well organised. Some of the comments were:
They liked everything; The Elders were very good with us; They taught us well and made us feel welcomed and comfortable; Enjoyed all of the dances, learning the Dances was an awesome experience; It was Deadly; The people who work at UMI are amazing; The Navy should bring a lot more dancing into the program.
UMI staff enjoyed these young people’s company too in sharing Indigenous culture. Every time they visited for workshops, they left more informed about their culture. For example, the telling of stories of the Bull Roarer, the Didgeridoo and stories behind the dances.
Torres Strait Regional Authority – Memorandum of Understanding.
There has been further development in relation to the proposed MoU. The details of the MoU have been agreed and TSRA advised that they would like both the Chairpersons and CEO’s to officially sign the MOU collectively for their June Board meeting.
The MOU with the TSRA will open up opportunities of inter-sectorial collaboration in areas of hosting joint art workshops, possible access to TSRA funding, and joint exhibition initiatives.
It is anticipated that the MOU will be signed early July 2018.
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Torres Strait Arts and Crafts Industry Forum
Thelma Savage & Peter Lenoy were invited to Thursday Island to participate in the Torres Strait Arts & Crafts Industry Forum 24-25 March 2018 and provided a presentation to the forum. The Torres Strait Arts & Crafts Industry workshop was an information sharing forum with representation from Supply Nation, Arts Code, Flying Arts & Viscopy.
Fake Art Inquiry
On Thursday, 10 August 2017 a Standing Committee of Inquiry was established to inquire into the growing presence of inauthentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ‘style’ art and craft products and merchandise for sale across Australia.
UMI developed a submission for the Standing Committee into inauthentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ‘style’ art and craft products and merchandise for sale across Australia.
As the peak body representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists residing in Cape York Peninsular and regional areas of Far North Queensland, UMI Arts are keenly aware of the negative impact that fake imported products have on our local tourism retail market. It greatly reduces the income opportunities available to our local artists and exploits the cultural integrity of Indigenous communities.
Removing the fake or inauthentic work from the market will:
Protect the culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Secure income and financial opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and cultural practitioners Protect consumers who purchase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art
UMI will continue to be involved in this Inquiry until its completion report.
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Partnership Programs and Strategic Alliances ANKA TRIP - Association of Arnhem Northern and Kimberley Artists Aboriginal Corporation
The Chair and EO attended a meeting of Indigenous art peak leaders in Darwin in August 2017. Representatives from AACHWA, IACA, Ananguku Arts, ANKA, Desart and UMI Arts attended.
The day focused on care and purposes of Community Collections held by or in close relationship to Art Centres.
PULLMAN HOTEL
UMI Arts has a strategic partnership with the PULLMAN HOTEL which is currently the end of the pathway provided by UMI for members to exhibit their artwork.
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Artwork is displayed at the PULLMAN for approximately 12 months. There has been 13 original artworks displayed at the PULLMAN since 2015.
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Evaluation Framework
UMI continues to roll out our in house Evaluation Framework at all of our events and activities. The extrapolation of the gathered data gathered from this important feedback helps UMI to strategically respond to any major identified issues and improve our events and exhibitions.
SOCIAL MEDIA
UMI’s marketing manager was on long term leave for over three months during this year. This had a major effect on our social media posts and presence.
However, we now have actively re-engaged in the social media arena.
As at 30 June 2018 our social media statistics were as follows:
Our Facebook site has 5049 Likes and 5009 followers Our Instagram site has 537 posts and 1660 followers Our Twitter site has 2360 tweets, 1800 Likes and 2,100 followers
TOWARDS THE FUTURE
We will continue to build on the successes that have had this year. 2018/2019 will be exciting as we will be looking to broaden our workshops to members outside of the Cairns Region.
We will work closely with the TSRA and provide additional support to our Torres Strait Members and provide workshops in the Tablelands and Cook regions. We will again attend the Laura Festival and participate in CIAF and DAAF and coordinate Big Talk One Fire.
AU ESOAU KOEYMA ESO UPPO
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