An exhibition that explores the links between indigenous art and the issue of native title will be shown in the Quay Street Gallery, Ron Smyth Building, 240 Quay Street, Rockhampton until the 10 December.

The exhibition Native Title Business is presented by Bundaberg’s Gurang Land Council and curated by Joan Winter. The gallery is open to the public Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.

The exhibition is being toured to 25 venues throughout Australia by the Regional Galleries Association of Queensland with support from Visions of Australia, the Commonwealth’s national touring exhibitions grant program.

“The artworks in Native Title Business are cultural evidence; community substantiation of the past and the needs of the present, in the face of massive ignorance and misrepresentation of what Native Title is, where it has come from, and how it effects indigenous communities,” according to curator, Joan Winter.

“This exhibition will do much to promote understanding, communication and reconciliation throughout regional centres of Australia during its three-year tour.” Works include paintings, prints, photography, mixed media, installation, carving, textiles and ceramics, reflecting the dynamic diversity of contemporary indigenous arts practice.

Native Title Business is accompanied by extensive information detailing land agreements, current negotiations, past and continuing injustices and issues, coming home/back to country and other success stories.

Artists in all stages of their careers, from more traditional communities to urban areas, young and older artists, are represented including Michael Anning, Ian Abdulla, Michael Riley, Julie Dowling, Fiona Foley, Michael Nelson Jagamaraa, Thancoupie and Bronwyn Bancroft.

Ms Winter said the development and touring of this exhibition was made possible in part by the Federal Government’s national touring exhibitions funding program Visions of Australia. Visions of Australia aims to provide all Australians, wherever they live with better access to the nation’s cultural heritage; historic, scientific and visual arts material; and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Support has been received from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fund of the Australia Council, the Federal Government’s arts advisory and funding body. The exhibition has also received support from the Besen Family Foundation, Native Title Tribunal, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, Gambling Machine Community Benefit Fund, Multicultural Affairs Queensland, Arts Queensland, the Commonwealth Regional Arts Fund and the Gurang Land Council.

Above: Kilcoy Massacre by Vincent Serico.

Left: Wenlock Station - Special Place by Adrian Kiing.