Tourism considerations for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art sector in far north Queensland

Tourism considerations for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art sector in far north Queensland Report

CRC-REP Research Report

  • Author(s): Jacobsen, D
  • Published: 2017
  • Publisher: Ninti One Limited
  • Volume: CR019
  • ISBN: ISBN: 978-1-74158-280-2

Abstract: Tourism is a major industry in far north Queensland, attracting scores of visitors to experience the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage rainforests, adventure and the remote destinations of Cape York. Many in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art sector have considered the opportunities of tourism, yet few have been able to take steps to move forward. A recent 2016 workshop held by Arts Queensland revisited discussion about tourism potential and highlighted that not enough is known about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art sector capacities for tourism, or what these capacities actually are. This report presents work conducted by the Cooperative Research Centre for Remote Economic Participation that investigates far north Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art sector perspectives and capacity considerations for developing tourism. The work aims to provide knowledge to inform Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art sector (including artists, communities, art centres and support agencies) decision-making about tourism. The work is based on the experience and insights of art centres and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs already involved in tourism, as well as other art sector professionals. The report is divided into two parts. Part 1 provides case studies of three far north Queensland art centres already involved in tourism. Steps taken to develop tourism by three art centres are highlighted, as well as their resource and infrastructure capacities and how they deal with the barriers they have encountered. All of the three art centres are conveniently located near either Cairns or Cooktown, yet each requires market knowledge and planning to attract tourists. Working with other tourism businesses appears to be very important for each art centre to contend with their market challenges and the general contexts in their regions. Maintaining strong links to community and working with cultural integrity are key features in the way these art centres operate. Part 2 identifies 21 tourism issues and opportunities relevant to the far north Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art sector raised by art sector professionals. The report subsequently offers recommendations in response to each of these issues, with this section of the report also accompanied by advice provided by Aboriginal tourism operators in regard to working together with art centres. The report provides an inventory of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art sector tourism opportunities, as well as a checklist identifying potential issues the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art sector should address when assessing their capacity for tourism. In light of outcomes presented in Parts 1 and 2 of this work, the report concludes by suggesting that a strategy to develop a future in tourism for the entire far north Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art sector considers the following themes: Cultural integrity, Control, Capacity, Coordination, Cooperation, and Knowledge.

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Suggested Citation
Jacobsen, D, 2017, Tourism considerations for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art sector in far north Queensland, Volume:CR019, Report, viewed 09 February 2025, https://www.nintione.com.au/?p=9744.

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