The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

Appointment to Australia Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, today announced the appointment of the Indigenous artist, Rosie Barkus to the Australia Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board (ATSIAB) for a three-year term.

‘I would like to thank Ms Barkus for agreeing to this appointment, which comes at a time when the Indigenous arts sector is becoming increasing important to Indigenous communities and the Australian art industry as a whole,’ Senator Kemp said.

‘Ms Barkus’ extensive experience will make her presence on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board very valuable and productive,’ Senator Kemp said.

Rosie Barkus is a self-taught textile designer and printer and is based on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. Her works, which are inspired by her culture, the maritime history of the Torres Strait and marine and island environment that surrounds her, have been exhibited extensively both nationally and internationally.

In 2001 she was winner of the prestigious national Jaguar New Australian Designers of the Future award. This award highlights the importance of good design and the calibre of Australian design by recognising outstanding young Australian designers.

Ms Barkus’ design ‘Sugu’, which means octopus, is currently featured on an Australia Post self-stamped envelope as part of the Torres Strait Collection of art and artefacts.

ATSIAB supports the development and promotion of traditional arts practices, as well as the generation of new forms of cultural and artistic expression among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in urban and regional areas, across all art forms.

Ms Barkus is the first woman to represent the Torres Strait on ATSIAB.

The board actively promotes the unique Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as integral to Australia’s national identity.

The Australia Council is the Australian Government’s principal arts funding body. It encourages the creativity and development of Australian artists and aims to increase access by all Australians to arts and cultural activities.

CANBERRA
21 October 2005
Media contact: Michael Christo, 03 9650 7274 or 0409 040276