Queensland’s growing contribution to the competitive Australian Indigenous art industry is showcased in a new DVD/Postcard Package Power in Art: Contemporary expressions from leading Indigenous artists of Queensland, Australia.

The launch of this important international marketing tool will assist the Queensland Indigenous Arts Marketing and Export Agency (QIAMEA), a branch of Trade Queensland, to raise the profile of Queensland Indigenous art overseas, develop export opportunities for Queensland Indigenous artists and build long-term relationships with key partners and art industry stakeholders nationally and internationally.

The promotional DVD package is a memorable selection of high quality works of art including drawing, painting and sculpture, as well as photography, printmaking, ceramics and fibre art from Queensland’s most talented artists from five regions including City-Based, Lockhart River, Aurukun, Mornington Island and the Torres Strait Islands.

The DVD also features renowned ceramicist Thancoupie and expert fibre artist Abe Muriata.  Stunning landscape photography taken by some of Australia’s leading photographers is also presented on this DVD.

Minister for Trade John Mickel said that QIAMEA’s Power in Art DVD/Postcard Package showcases the contemporary work of Queensland Indigenous artists and establishes Queensland as a significant force in both international and domestic contemporary art markets.

“As the Australian Indigenous art industry continues to grow internationally, Queensland is making a unique and significant contribution to this highly competitive market through the production of vanguard contemporary art,” Mr Mickel said.

“The launch of the DVD/Postcard Package will enable QIAMEA to further strengthen international relationships between Queensland Indigenous artists and international galleries and industry stakeholders. These sorts of marketing tools are critical in developing increased awareness and exposure regarding Queensland Indigenous art in highly competitive international markets.

“Strong international connections and close links with Indigenous art networks has already seen QIAMEA assist artists in gaining interest from collectors across the globe and showcased in Europe, United Kingdom, the Middle East and North America  through their highly successful Arts Partnership Program,” he continued.

“The launch of QIAMEA’s DVD/Postcard Package is a major marketing initiative in their strategy to establish Queensland as a major source of quality, innovative and unique Indigenous art, through partnering in international exhibitions for artists such as Samantha Hobson from Lockhart River and Alick Tipoti and Dennis Nona from the Torres Strait Islands,” he continued.

In October 2008, Samantha Hobson from the Lockhart River Art Gang made her London solo debut at the October Gallery, which has resulted in an acquisition of her work by the Museum of Scotland. Torres Strait Islander artist Alick Tipoti exhibited at the Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery, London in his first solo show outside Australia assisted by QIAMEA. Martin-Gropius-Bau in Berlin also hosted the major exhibition ‘Tropics, Views from the Middle of the Globe, with Dennis Nona’s monumental six metre linocut, ‘Yawarr’ featured.

The Queensland Indigenous Arts Marketing and Export Agency (QIAMEA) is responsible for the consistent strategic marketing and promotion of high quality Queensland Indigenous arts. In support of the artists and their work, QIAMEA strives to establish the industry as a significant force in both international and domestic contemporary art markets.

QIAMEA supports Queensland artists through partnership programs with national and international galleries and agents developing opportunities through marketing and export strategies.

For further information regarding Power in Art: Contemporary expressions from leading Indigenous artists of Queensland, Australia or QIAMEA please phone

+61 7 3238 3146 or visit www.indigenousarts.qld.gov.au.

The package includes: