2006 Speeches

Address by TSRA Portfolio Member for Education, Training, Employment & Art

Mr Jesse Sagaukaz

Sesserae Exhibition Opening, Gab Titui Cultural Centre

13 September 2006

Good evening, I would like to begin firstly by acknowledging: 

• The traditional owners of this land, the Kaurareg people
• Elders
• Dennis Nona 
• Exhibition Representatives
• Ladies and Gentlemen

I am pleased to be here tonight to take part in the Torres Strait launch of Sesserae: the works of Dennis Nona.

This is a significant moment for Torres Strait art, with this being the first exhibition devoted only to Dennis’ creations.

Dennis is one of the region’s leading artists who has helped the Torres Strait emerge into the national and international arts community.

He has introduced our culture and told our stories through his intricate lino-cut prints, informing the arts market of our islands and seafaring people.

The TSRA has been proud to support artists such as Dennis in order to preserve, revitalise and promote our arts and culture

We are actively working with individuals as well as communities to ensure that our people have access to the appropriate infrastructure and opportunities to come together and practice and develop their skills.

In addition, we are encouraging our artists and crafts-people to enter the arts market, to enhance their incomes as well as the local economy.

As you can see, arts and culture continues to play an important role in Torres Strait life. It is keeping our history alive and contributing to the maintenance of our culture and our people’s livelihood, and the Sesserae collection is evidence of this.

On behalf of the Gab Titui Cultural Centre, may I take this opportunity to acknowledge the support of the sponsors who assisted in bring Sesserae to the Centre – the Queensland Government, the Queensland Museum Gallery Services, Griffith University’s College of Art and the Dell Company.

In closing, I would like to congratulate Dennis for his unique talent and abilities, and commend him for his hard work in producing each piece to complete this inspiring collection, and allowing it to come home to the Torres Strait to share with his people. Esso.