More than 50 prints and private collections from the late Torres Strait Islander artist, Billy Missi (1970-2012), are set to tour the nation from early 2025.
The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) has supported NorthSite Contemporary Arts (NorthSite) in a successful bid for Visions of Australia funding to tour the Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai Exhibition.
The $391,915 funding from the Office of the Arts will support a four-year national tour.
Works from this exhibition returned to the Wabunaw Geth Gallery as part of Gab Titui Cultural Centre’s 20th Anniversary celebrations in April this year. The powerful homecoming held significance for the region, as Billy Missi (affectionately known as Pal’n) was among the Centre’s inaugural exhibitors in 2004.
TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM welcomed the announcement and said the funding will see Pal’n teach history and culture through his art at 13 venues across Australia.
“Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai was one of six successful exhibitions to receive tour funding, and the Torres Strait Regional Authority proudly supported the application,” Mr Stephen said.
“Gab Titui Cultural Centre have worked closely with NorthSite and the Billy Missi Estate to carefully co-curate the exhibition, and honour Pal’n’s legacy and artistic expression.
“The brief return of Pal’n’s works to Zenadth Kes in April attracted many visitors and families to the Gab Titui Cultural Centre, and we foresee the exhibition touching the hearts of many across the country.
“We are proud of our longstanding relationship with NorthSite and the opportunities our organisations provide for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal art, culture and language,” he said.
The National Tour of Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai will start in March 2025, when the exhibition opens in the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery.
Fast facts:
The Gab Titui Cultural Centre is located on the corner of Victoria Parade and Blackall Street, Thursday Island Qld 4875
The Centre is open Monday – Friday 9am – 4:30pm and Saturday 9:30am – 1pm (April to October) and Monday – Friday 10am to 3pm and Saturday 9:30am to 1pm (November to March).
The Gab Titui Cultural Centre’s 20th anniversary was 16 April 2024.
