A landmark survey has called for First Nations arts businesses, artists operating as sole traders or hobbyists, and creative practitioners to raise their voice and help shape the future of the Zenadth Kes Creative Arts Industry.
The survey was launched by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) to measure the economic value of the Creative Arts Industry across Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) and the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA).
Waiben-based (Thursday Island) arts business owner Joey Laifoo has encouraged local artists and creative practitioners to participate in the survey.
“As artists, this is our industry and our identity, so we need to have a say in how we want it to look, and what kind of support we will need from the TSRA to ensure our practices and businesses are sustainable,” Mr Laifoo said.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re not a big business yet, the TSRA wants to hear from all voices, even if you provide your arts services for free in your community.
“Mepla need to unite together so we can create a mina strong Creative Arts Industry,” he said.
Joey is the proud co-owner of Island Stars Café (Lagaw Titui), an interactive gallery café that showcases art, culture, song and dance – served with a delicious coffee brew.
Together with his partner Mel, they were successful in receiving a TSRA Business Growth Package which enabled them to secure their business premises and launch operations in time for the 2022 tourist season.
Today the arts business is thriving in its vision of providing local jobs, serving great coffee and passing on cultural knowledge to the younger generation.
The Zenadth Kes Creative Arts Industry Survey closes on 20 April 2025 and the collected data will inform how the TSRA can continue to ensure arts businesses – including sole traders and hobbyists – receive better funding, stronger support programs, and greater national and international opportunities.
If you work in the arts or sell your art in any capacity, this survey needs your voice.
This includes First Nations people who are:
- Visual artists, painters, sculptors, printmakers
- Performing artists, musicians, dancers, theatre practitioners
- Writers, poets, filmmakers, designers
- Craftspeople, fashion designers, digital media artists
- Working in an arts centre, radio station or arts business
- Any aspiring or existing Zenadth Kes creative professional, looking to grow their career
The survey is quick and easy to complete online at www.tsra.gov.au/artsurvey or in person at Gab Titui Cultural Centre, NPA Arts Centre, Moa Arts, Erub Arts and Badu Art Centre. Participants can also go into the draw to win one of 10 $50 CEQ Vouchers!
The survey is open from Monday, 17 March 2025 and closes Sunday, 20 April 2025.