The Gab Titui Cultural Centre recently welcomed Tarnie-Rose Newie and Matilda Manuel from Tagai State College Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh for work placements.
The year 11 students shadowed Gab Titui staff and gained insight into daily operations at the region’s largest cultural keeping place and key tourist attraction.
From framing and installation to customer service and back of house processing, the young duo explored what it was like to work as part of the team responsible for nationally acclaimed exhibitions, developing Zenadth Kes artists and supporting the region’s arts industry.
Both students are emerging young artists who have expressed an interest in pathways into Creative Arts.
Matilda participated in her first group exhibition when she entered her canvas piece Hibiscus Flower into the 2023 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award.
“I was excited to enter my artwork and surprised to see it that was sold on opening night to a teacher in Bamaga!” Matilda exclaimed.
“My favourite part about this work experience was looking at all of the different art in both the gallery and in storage; they inspire me,” she added.
Tarnie-Rose said the placement with Gab Titui taught her how to prepare for a workplace environment.
“I learnt how things work at a job like this and it was interesting to see all of the different sections that make up a workplace,” Tarnie-Rose said.
“I do drawings, so I enjoyed being surrounded by all of the art by our people and people from here,” she added.
Since its establishment in 2004, Gab Titui Cultural Centre has nurtured artistic and career aspirations of many young people.
Over the past 20 years, the centre has facilitated traineeship opportunities and work placements that have created pathways for students who now – as adults – have successful careers in the Creative Arts industry.
This placement also aligned with work underway by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) towards a Zenadth Kes Youth Strategy, which highlighted the need to enhance employment pathways within the creative and cultural sectors.
The experience also reinforced TSRA’s commitment to growing our own by encouraging young people to explore career options, especially within the organisation.
Tarnie-Rose and Matilda’s work experience opportunity was made possible in partnership between TSRA and Tagai State College. Work placements were part of the Tagai State College Year 11 SchoolTECH Structured Work Placement Program.
