New arts centre puts Wujal Wujal on cultural map

The state-of-the-art centre will be a big drawcard for tourists travelling the Bloomfield Track, with its natural setting bordered by the beautiful Bloomfield River, downstream from the majestic Bloomfield Falls.

Wujal Wujal community development officer Garry Ashworth said the professional gallery space offered visitors a taste of what Wujal Wujal Aboriginal artists have to offer.

“A beehive of pottery, printmaking, jewellery and other arts workshop areas showcase the artists at work,” Mr Ashworth said.

“Visitors have a fantastic opportunity to get to know each individual as they put their creativity in motion.”

The Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Council recently received $15,000 in Indigenous arts funding from the Queensland Government, as part of their quarter-of-a-million dollar package to support arts and cultural activities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in 2010-2011.

The Wik and Kugu Art Centre in the Aurukun Shire also received $15,000, while the Hope Vale Community Learning Centre received $10,000 in funding.

Mr Ashworth the new Wujal Wujal Arts Centre would be of great benefit to arts and cultural projects in the region.

“As a facility that promotes and supports artists and cultural development in the region, you won’t be disappointed with this neat package of arts and cultural learning,” Mr Ashworth said.

He encouraged locals to stop and have a healthy lunch at the on-site café and enjoy the beauty of the Bloomfield River.

“The centre will be open to the public in the near future – hours of trading to be advised,” he said.

Issue 488 05 November 2010