Key Outcomes for Visual Arts
Session Four
(Visual Arts and Tourism Joint Session)
Art and Tourism, What's the Connection?
John Morse spoke of his review of Aboriginal tourism throughout the Territory. The most pressing finding from the many discussions with communities was the need for stronger links between art and tourism. People who were familiar with Indigenous culture might find the arts an accessible first point of contact and that for some this may be their first step on a journey of reconciliation. Unfortunately, the strong identification overseas of images of Indigenous art with Australia did not result in benefits flowing to Aboriginal communities. In recent conversations with gallery workers he discovered that they had not viewed themselves as part of the tourist industry. The employment of Aboriginal people in galleries should be encouraged, as this is an almost untapped potential employment growth area.
Regis Pangirminni introduced himself as a potter and also discussed the work of the Tiwi Art Network (TAN), of which he is chairman, that includes more than 60 artists in three art centres, two centres on Melville Island: Jilamara Arts and Crafts, and Munupi Arts and Crafts (where he works) and one centre, Tiwi Design, on Bathurst Island (known collectively as the Tiwi Islands). Both islands have arts centres and artists work in screen-printing, painting, linocuts, etching and ceramics. Whilst each centre retains independence, it cooperates on various marketing and promotional activities including retaining a marketing officer in Darwin who sells tours of the arts centres on the islands. Visitors can fly out to visit the three centres in a day. TAN is aiming to reach people who already have an interest in Tiwi art as well as advertising through various media. It is working at establishing new clients and opportunities and has mounted high profile exhibitions nationally and internationally.
Jackie Halsey explained the role of the Indigenous Arts Development Unit within Arts NT. Launched at Garma 2003, the Unit is a driver within Arts NT for the Indigenous Arts Strategy, Building Strong Arts Business. There are three parts to this strategy: first, 'talking arts business' - building strong arts partnerships locally, nationally and internationally; second, 'doing arts business' - encouraging arts development; and third, 'sharing arts business' - showcasing Indigenous arts from the Northern Territory. The current phase of the policy ends in 2005-2006. Over the next few months the approach would be reviewed in order to build the next three-year strategy. Arts NT is committed to establishing ways and means by which artists can become involved in the tourist industry if they so desire.
Bilawara Lee indicated that the Indigenous Arts Development Unit, which she manages, within Arts NT has funds available for developing festivals, projects or showcases. She encouraged Indigenous people to approach her throughout the festival to talk about projects and funding.