Presentation Topic: Community arts and cultural centre - urban, regional and remote

ABSTRACT:

This paper seeks to provide a picture of the current status of the development of visual arts in the Torres Strait. It contains brief reference to the physical and socio-economic environments of the region to provide a contextual perspective to the discussion points and a personal commentary on relevant external impacts and influences on general Islander lifeways. Other pertinent historical issues mentioned include regional trends of cultural activities and artistic pursuits over the past century. Comparisons are drawn between the growth rates of contemporary Indigenous arts on mainland Australia and within the Torres Strait and discuss the factors which may contribute to any differences. It concludes with more recent events including the proposed Cultural Centre to be built on Thursday Island and its place in the future for supporting and promoting visual arts in the Torres Strait homelands.

BIONOTE:

Vic McGrath is a self-taught artist who continues a long tradition of working in natural marine materials provided by the seas and reefs of the Torres Strait. He has also carried out research into the potential for arts development in the region and

serves on a number of committees which aspire to further these goals.