The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with peak, Cairns-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultural organisation, UMI Arts, to collaborate on a range of art and culture projects.

The MOU will facilitate increased exposure for Torres Strait based artists, performers, and cultural practitioners by strengthening regional networks and creating positive cultural linkages with the mainland Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal community.

TSRA Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM said the MOU Builds upon the TSRA’s long-term investment in Torres Strait art centres and the region’s growing art industry.

“Over the years the TSRA has funded numerous cultural and arts activities throughout the Torres Strait region, including the provision of ongoing core operational funding to a network of three Regional Art Centres under a tri-partite agreement with the Queensland Department of Arts and Commonwealth Department of the Attorney General, Ministry of the Arts,” Mr Stephen said.

“This MOU is another example of the importance the TSRA places on art and cultural maintenance and promotion in the region.”

Mr Noel Zaro OAM, Deputy Chairman of UMI Arts said he is delighted that this new partnership with the TSRA that will seek to identify opportunities to support emerging artists and create pathways for success for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal artists, cultural practitioners and communities in Far North Queensland including the Torres Strait.

“The TSRA and UMI Arts will actively work together on collaboration opportunities each year for artists, art centres and the Gab Titui Cultural Centre to increase leveraging opportunities and networks between the TSRA and UMI Arts regional networks,” Mr Zaro said.

UMI Arts is a not-for-profit company managed by an all – Indigenous Board of Directors, based in Cairns Queensland and is the Peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts and Cultural organisation for Far North Queensland.