The Gab Titui Cultural Centre celebrated its 17th anniversary, as the region’s first contemporary art gallery and keeping place for cultural artefacts.
Since its establishment on 16 April 2004, the Gab Titui Cultural Centre has consistently promoted Torres Strait and Aboriginal art, artists, cultural practitioners and linguists, in its efforts to support the cultural development and maintenance of Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal people residing within the region.
To celebrate 17 years, Gab Titui Cultural Centre hosted a Family Fun Night and Flicker Fest including light entertainment by the Ukulele Gummaz and the screening of short Torres Strait animations and documentaries by TSIMA Films, Dinghy Girls and Striking Pearls by Sylvia Tabua and two episodes of Little J and Big Cuz. The night was officially opened with a warm welcome by TSRA Culture, Art and Heritage Deputy Portfolio Member Mr Bob Kaigey.
Adhering to COVID-19 regulations, a maximum of 80 Waibene (Thursday Island) community members were able to attend the festivities. These guests were treated to a complimentary sausage sizzle and birthday cake.
Reflecting on the Centre’s achievements across the years, TSRA Chairperson Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM, said “since its conception, the Gab Titui Cultural Centre has expanded its services, collection of works, and today it houses the rich history and contemporary representations of our culture, voices and stories through art, dance, music and language,”
“The Centre has many accomplishments, especially in the form of awards and recognition; from 2005 – 2007, Gab Titui Cultural Centre won the Queensland Indigenous Tourism Award and was inducted into the Queensland Tourism Hall of Fame in 2007,”
“In the following years, the Centre established its very own biennial Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award; the prestigious recognition and celebration of the unique cultures and artistic talents in our communities,”
“The Centre has also remained an essential partner and contributor to the annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and Darwin Aboriginal Fair and garnered national and international attention for its touring exhibitions,” Chair Stephen shared.
Gab Titui Cultural Centre is managed by the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s Culture, Art and Heritage Programme, who continue to make every effort in ensuring the Centre fulfills its goals.
While the Wabunaw Geth and Ephraim Bani Galleries are closed for the installation of the 150ZK Exhibition, customers are welcomed to peruse the newly refurbished gift shop or shop online via shop.gabtitui.gov.au. Artists requiring art materials are encouraged to contact the TSRA Culture, Art and Heritage Programme by phoning (07) 4069 0888 or by emailing Sales.Staff@tsra.gov.au