Goodwill Games

07/25/2001

Spectatular Indigenous Arts for Goodwill Games

THE Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission and Goodwill Games officials
today announced details of a major Indigenous arts and culture pavilion for the
Games.

The pavilion, to be based in the heart of the Games' RED Centre at South Bank, will
contain the most comprehensive collection ever assembled of arts, crafts, and
performers from around Queensland and the Torres Strait islands.

It will explore four themes: coastal, desert, city and rainforest - the four major zones of
the State.

``The concept we have put together will see the best of our arts on show, not only to
Queensland for the first time, but also to the rest of the world,'' ATSIC Commissioner
Patricia Thompson said today.

``It will give our artists unprecedented national and international exposure.

``We hope it will result in raising their level of recognition to that currently enjoyed by
the major Indigenous artists of the Northern Territory, Central Australia and the
Kimberley.

``ATSIC has engaged the Campfire Group, an arm of the renowned Fire-Works
Gallery, to set up, manage, design and run the pavilion as well as handle the sales of
artwork at the South Bank precinct for the duration of the Games.

``ATSIC has also moved to ensure that no commission will be deducted from pavilion
sales of works from communities, organisations and individual artists. This will ensure
they will receive the full sale price for their works.''

2001 Goodwill Games Chief Executive Campbell Rose said he was thrilled with
the diversity of the Indigenous artists, art forms and works represented.

``What we have seen unveiled today is a unique indigenous cultural and artistic
package - this is a world first,'' Mr Rose said.

``We are very proud to be able to host such a spectacular showcase of Queensland's
Indigenous heritage and are certain we will draw great crowds to the Pavilion.''

Campfire Group Manager John Armstrong said he expected the Indigenous Arts
Pavilion would ``feed off the unparalleled international interest in Indigenous art,
generated by a number of recent exhibitions in America and Europe''.

``Visitors will be treated to a visually spectacular cultural presence by day and night
that combines colour, light, sound and people and both traditional and contemporary
arts, crafts and performance,'' Mr Armstrong said.

``There will be a full range of activities including dance groups, performers, storytellers,
crafts people, painters and much more.

The Pavilion will be open for a sneak preview on Saturday, August 25, when it opens
for a day to coincide with Riverfire.

It will then open for the duration of the Games from August 29 to September 9.

Artists, organisations and communities still wanting to send their works for display or
sale at the Goodwill Games should contact the Campfire Group on 3216 1250.

Media information:
Patricia Thompson, ATSIC Commissioner for Brisbane
Ph: 07 3006 4800

John Armstrong, Manager Campfire Projects Group
Ph: 07 3216 1250 / 0413 536 164

Mark Heward, ATSIC Public Affairs, Brisbane
Ph: 07 3006 4800 / 0417 724 292

Nikki Todd, 2001 Goodwill Games Brisbane
Ph: 07 3233 2045 (direct) / Mobile: 0408 011 204

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