Chairman's and Director's welcome

‘Story Place’ is Australia’s first major survey exhibition of historical and contemporary Indigenous art from Cape York Peninsula. As such, it serves to generate a broader recognition and appreciation of the unique art and culture of the Indigenous peoples of this region.

There are many distinctive aspects associated with the exhibition of which the Gallery, the artists and the communities involved, are immensely proud. These include the bringing together of a comprehensive and diverse collection of works, the video documentation of artists and elders, a comprehensive publication, and this website. These elements are important in advancing the profile of Indigenous art of Cape York. The communities of this region have long been at the political forefront of land rights and other Indigenous social and cultural issues, and we believe this exhibition, and the interest it will attract, will raise the profile of the region’s art — nationally and internationally.

The development of this exhibition has occurred with the openness, enthusiasm and commitment of the artists, and the communities of Cape York, their councils, elders, administrators and arts advisers. The trust, goodwill and collaboration between community representatives and the Gallery’s project staff, who travelled extensively throughout the region, have been vital to the realisation of the project. On behalf of the Gallery, we gratefully acknowledge the contribution of all involved.

The Gallery has a longstanding commitment to the presentation and research of art by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This exhibition and website will continue the success of previous Indigenous exhibitions. We are sure the unique, diverse and ever-evolving traditions of the Indigenous peoples of Cape York will, through this exhibition, attract a wide and appreciative audience.
 

Wayne Goss Chairman Board of Trustees

Doug Hall Director