With two local artists successfully pursuing their artistic goals, Hopevale is an example of an Indigenous Regional Arts Development (IRADF)-funded community making a name for itself artistically.

Roy McIvor, Chairperson of the Hopevale Community Learning Centre, recently completed his second stint studying at Toowoomba’s McGregor Summer School for 10 days of art education. The annual event, held in January at the University of Southern Queensland campus, has gained a reputation for its creative and intimate atmosphere.

Mr McIvor studied abstract painting in his first year and landscape painting during his recent enrolment. He mixes both styles with his traditional Aboriginal art.

Hopevale Elder Walter Jack is a founding member of the Hopevale Arts and Culture Centre and has been studying art for 15 years.

He will have his first solo exhibition, A tribute to Walter Jack, May 1 to 31 at Nature’s Powerhouse in Cooktown.

The exhibition features artworks and a video presentation of Walter Jack’s photographs, stories and memories.

The IRADF program provides a partnership between each of the Aboriginal Shire Councils and Arts Queensland to distribute funds to local  Indigenous communities for arts and cultural development projects and activities.

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