2008 Press Releases

Winners announced at Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award Debut
For immediate release 19/05/2008

The Gab Titui Cultural Centre was proud to announce the winners of its inaugural ‘Indigenous Art Award’ last Friday evening, 16 May 2008.

The award recognises excellence in art and craft from Indigenous people living in the Torres Strait and NPA region.

Alick Tipoti won the “Overall” award with his lino cut piece “Zugubal” taking home the first place prize money of $6,000.

Winners of the “Emerging Artist” category and a $3,000 cash prize, were Ezra, Keramu and Gilbert Waigana for their carving “Traditional Dugong Hunting (Aypulumay Rugal/Hunting Gear).

John Bosun took top honours and $500 in the “Secondary School” category with his screenprint “Zugabaw Thithuy”.

Entries were judged by Mr. Keith Munro, Curator of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait program at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney and the TSRA Alternate Deputy Chairperson, Mr. Jesse Sagaukaz.

TSRA Chairperson, Mr Toshie Kris, said that the Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award is an opportunity for all artists of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) to exhibit their work at the Centre, creating a showcase for local arts and craft and providing a much needed opportunity for artists to display and sell their work.

“The art submitted by 53 artists in 15 communities will be displayed in a special four month exhibition at Gab Titui Cultural Centre”, said Mr Kris.

“The exhibition will take place over the Torres Strait peak tourism season, maximising exposure for local artists and encouraging public recognition of their work.

“As a further Gab Titui initiative, from 16 May 2008 until 7 July 2008, community members will have the opportunity to vote for a “People’s Choice Award” for which a prize of $1000 will be awarded during NAIDOC (“National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance Committee”) week in July.

“Having recently celebrated its 4th birthday, the Gab Titui Cultural Centre is now recognised as one of the leading Indigenous Cultural Centres in Australia.

“Through initiatives such as the Indigenous Art Award, the Centre has established itself as a much loved and respected safekeeping place that ensures the continued recognition of Torres Strait culture and artwork throughout Australia and the world”, said Mr Kris.

ENDS
TSRA Media Contact: Ana Talko. Ph: 07 4069 0700