According to a media release received today from Cook MP Jason O’Brien's office, he was thrilled to announce that a number of arts centres in his electorate are to receive funding boosts under the Backing Indigenous Arts Program (BIA).

"The grants have been offered to organisations that have demonstrated innovation and strategic direction with their art, and will be used for development, for employment, and for promotion", Mr O’Brien said.  "These cultural centres are dynamic and vital forces within their communities”.

“They are producing some absolutely incredible and distinctive art, and have provided a starting point and base for many artists who are now going on to receive national and international acclaim.  They enhance the cultural health not only of the communities but of the whole of Queensland.”

Indigenous Arts Centres Grants will be delivered to:

•    Lockhart River Arts, $40,000 towards costs for Metropolitan Exhibition Expenses and the publication of a catalogue for emerging artists.

•    Wik and Kugu Arts – Aurukun Shire Council, $60,000 towards costs of promotions through metropolitan exhibitions, artist development workshops and costs for the University of Queensland Before Time, After Time exhibition.

•    Hope Vale Arts and Culture Centre, $40,000 towards costs for the employment of an Arts Centre Manager and artists’ travel expenses.

•    Yalanji Arts – Mossman Gorge, $35,000 towards the cost of employing an Arts Centre Manager.

•    Erub Erwer Meta – Darnley Island, $50,000 towards costs for the core operations of developing the Arts Centre on Darnley Island.

•    Wei’Num Aboriginal Corporation – Weipa, $50,000 to support board development by visiting other centres, residential workshops with Thancoupie and Janet Fieldhouse, local and national exhibitions and development of exhibition prints.

•    Pormpuraaw Arts and Culture Centre, $55,000 to support the positions of Art Manager and Art Consultant and support for Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair attendance.

•    Badhulgaw Kuthinaw Mudh – Badu Island, $50,000 towards costs for core operations of developing the arts centre at Badu Island.

•    Ngalman Lagau Mineral Art Centre, - Moa Island, $50,000 towards costs for core operations of developing the arts centre on Moa Island.