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Torres Strait artists on national stage from Cairns to Darwin

Premier’s Award for Excellence: Joel Sam
Premier’s Award for Excellence: Joel Sam

Art and culture from the Torres Strait were proudly showcased at the 2024 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) from 25-28 July with support from the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA).

TSRA Acting CEO Charlie Kaddy and Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM joined Gab Titui Cultural Centre (GTCC) staff to celebrate CIAF’s 15th Anniversary.

TSRA sponsored the Dhamuw-Koedal Dance Team from Badu and the People’s Choice Award, awarded to Simone Arnol and Bernard Singleton for their Echoes 2024 photography prints.

Speaking at the closing ceremony for the awards presentation, TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM said TSRA had a strong partnership with CIAF.

“The Torres Strait is the nation’s northernmost region and it is a joy to see our unique and diverse culture celebrated with both community and the arts industry,” Mr Stephen said.

“On behalf of TSRA, I would like to congratulate the CIAF organisers, performers, artists and award winners including Saibai Island artist Joel Sam, Badu Island artist Matilda Nona and the TSRA People’s Choice Award winners Simone Arnol and Bernard Singleton.

Joel Sam won the Premier’s Award for Excellence while Matilda Nona received the Holding Redlich Innovation Award.

TSRA also supported award-winning Torres Strait Islander artist Nola Ward-Page to attend CIAF and visit the Meriba Tonar | Ngoelmudh | Our Way Exhibition, where her work, alongside other Torres Strait artists, is on show at NorthSite Contemporary Arts until Saturday 10 August.

Mr Stephen said major art events provided opportunities to boost local artists’ careers.

“TSRA has a longstanding relationship with national art fairs to ensure Torres Strait Islander arts and culture are included and represented,” he said.

“Every year, we support local artists to attend leading art fairs across Australia, including in Carins and Darwin, to participate, network with industry professionals, meet suppliers and connect with fellow artists.

“Masterclasses and artist workshops offer our artists the opportunity to demonstrate their talents and connect with art buyers one-on-one.

“We encourage families and visitors to attend art fairs and exhibitions showcasing both individual narratives from the Torres Strait and our unique cultural history.”

TSRA will support three local artists – Lara Fujii, Margaret Mara and Thomas (Connie) Pedro – to participate in the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) on 9 – 11 August 2024.

Lara Fujii and Margaret Mara will host jewellery-making masterclasses, while 2023 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award Winner Thomas (Connie) Pedro will showcase his sculpting and adornment talents in a dhoeri headdress-making demonstration.

See the DAAF Public Programs schedule at https://daaf.com.au/public-program-2024

  • Supporting local: TSRA Acting CEO Charlie Kaddy and TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM at CIAF
  • Celebrating CIAF: TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM
  • Woven art: TSRA Acting CEO Charlie Kaddy at CIAF
  • Premier’s Award for Excellence: Joel Sam
  • Premier’s Award for Excellence: Joel Sam
  • Premier’s Award for Excellence: Joel Sam
  • Holding Redlich Innovation Award: Matilda Nona
  • Holding Redlich Innovation Award: Matilda Nona
  • GTCC Exhibitions and Public Programs Manager Leitha Assan sells jewellery to a customer
  • GTCC Team Members, Leitha Assan, Amanda Manuel and Leah Warrior
  • TSRA People’s Choice Award winners: L-R Bernard Singleton and Simone Arnol with TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM and CIAF Artistic Director Francoise Lane
  • GTCC Gallery Officer Kailu George with the members of the Cairns Minjil Dance Team; Otis and sons James and Georgie.
  • TSRA with the Dhamuw-Koedal Dance Team
  • GTCC with ZK ID Artist Tim Cochran