Traditional owners from the Western Cape Communities Trust have been welcomed to Thursday Islandwith a tour of the award-winning Gab Titui Cultural Centre.

The cultural centre provided a familiarisation of its galleries and operations to traditional owners on Monday to assist with the development of the Western Cape (Achimbun) Cultural Centre at Weipa.

Torres Strait Regional Authority Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen, said it was an honour for Gab Titui to be considered a benchmark for cultural facilities in the region.

“Gab Titui’s establishment in 2004 was the result of over 20 years of interest by the local community and others in the creation of a keeping place to house and share historical and cultural material here in the Torres Strait”, Mr Stephen said.

Mr Stephen said that fourteen years on, the centre acts not only as a venue to share visiting exhibitions and materials but has a well-established program of local content creation.

“Cultural institutions such as Gab Titui have a vital place in communities”, Mr Stephen said.

“They provide a place for artists and community to come together to celebrate and share our culture, traditions, history and achievements”.

Mr Stephen said the Centre’s annual exhibitions such as the Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award, and cultural maintenance exhibitions Evolution: Torres Strait Maskshave an important part to play in developing artists and educating others about our culture and stories.

“Many works featured in the annual Art Award find a place among the collections of our national collecting institutions, while Evolution: Torres Strait Masksis currently touring the country”, he said.

He said the TSRA was pleased to share the skills, experiences and knowledge gained with others to assist with cultural preservation and promotion.

“We wish the Western Cape communities all the very best in their endeavours”.