March 15, 2019 - Cassowary Coast to host Indigenous arts forum

Cassowary Coast Regional Council will host ‘Gumbugan’, the region’s first Indigenous arts forum in Innisfail from May 30 to June 1.

The forum will be the centrepiece of Reconciliation Week celebrations on the Cassowary Coast and is designed to assist local artists wishing to pursue a career in visual arts and performance. A line-up of high profile speakers and workshop facilitators from print, film, fashion, visual and the performing arts have been engaged and Aboriginal comedian Kevin Kropinyeri will be master of ceremonies. 

Council’s Community Development Officer Kath Hansen said the forum was also intended for local arts educators and arts practitioners who work closely with the local Indigenous community.

“The Cassowary Coast has a healthy and active arts sector with cultural opportunities through the calendar year but no specific opportunities that enable and promote a regional Indigenous network that celebrates and fosters an understanding and appreciation of local Indigenous heritage and living culture as expressed through Indigenous art,” Ms Hansen said.

“This forum will provide Indigenous artists with face to face opportunities with key industry arts workers and numerous workshop activities.”

Gumbugan is the local Mamu language word for cassowary, which is significant to all Indigenous groups throughout the Cassowary Coast, as well as for tourism and conservation in our region. 

Ms Hansen is working closely in organising the forum with Indigenous Consultant Trish Barnard and Raymond Blanco, acclaimed leader in the development of contemporary Indigenous dance in Australia. 

She said the forum would also provide a critical platform for consultation across the region to inform the Cassowary Coast Cultural Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) review and the development of a regional Indigenous Arts Forum framework.

She urged all local Indigenous artists and arts workers to take part in the forum and promote it though their communities and networks. 

The forum will kick off on Thursday, May 30 with an evening performance by Kevin Kropinyeri at The Con theatre to set the tone of the next two days of discussion, sharing and learning in Innisfail’s Johnstone Shire Hall.

The Regional Arts Development Fund, in which Council partners with Arts Queensland, will contribute funding towards this event.

For more information, contact Ms Hansen at Council on 07 4030 2255 or email [email protected].

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