Guests enjoy the improved surroundings of the Hope Vale Arts & Cultural Centre

The opening on 28 April of the new arts and cultural centre in Hope Vale, a joint initiative of the Queensland and Australian government, is a milestone for the community and creative development of the region.

The Paddy McIvor Munarra Memorial Culture Centre Building and Nganthanun Bamawi Bayan Gallery marks the culmination of a long collaboration of the Queensland government, Australian government and Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council to transform the 1950s building into a new, functional, architecturally-designed space to make and display art.

The Queensland government provided $360,000 in funding along with $445,000 from the Australian Government and $20,000 in in-kind support from the local community.

For the opening, the crowd of about 300 people gathered under a tree that was integrated into the centre as a design feature and a place to gather.

Speakers included Lynn Bean representing the Federal Government; Jason O'Brien representing the Premier; Hope Vale Mayor Greg McLean; Shirley Costello, former arts & cultural councillor and current manager of the Hope Vale Indigenous Knowledge Centre; Roy McIvor and Waratah Nicholls of the Hope Vale Arts & Cultural Centre.

The local community celebrated the opening with performances from the local school and kindergarten, Hope Vale Yimbaala dancers, Hope Vale line dancers, Hope Vale choir and the Black Image band.

Work produced by Hope Vale artists will be available for sale at the first Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, 21-23 August, at Tanks Arts Centre.

Hope Vale, located 380km north of Cairns, has gained attention for its artistic talent with many successful artists hailing from the region, including Roy McIvor, Walter Jack, Tulo Gordon, Ben McGreen, John Allens and Godfrey Gordon.

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We welcome feedback and contributions to Arts Update. Please contact the editor, Colleen Turner on (07) 3225 8841 or email artsupdate@arts.qld.gov.au