Cumpston, Ms N.

The Hon. M. EL DANNAWI (14:58): My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Will the minister inform the council about the departure of long-time curator and founding director of Tarnanthi Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:59): I thank the honourable member for her question and her interest in this area. The Art Gallery of South Australia has announced the departure of long-time curator and founding director of Tarnanthi Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, Nici Cumpston OAM. Nici, a Barkandji artist and creator, is a visionary leader in the art world and a trailblazer in the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork on both a national and international scale.

Nici joined the Art Gallery of South Australia in 2008 as the institution's first Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art. Since joining, she has made a very significant impact in elevating the voices, stories and cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the medium of art. Her leadership and vision came to full fruition in 2014 with the establishment of Tarnanthi. Since then, Tarnanthi has grown to be a cornerstone of South Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts calendar, drawing national and international acclaim for its celebration of creativity, diversity and resilience of artists and Indigenous art.

Nici's departure from the Art Gallery of South Australia leaves an incredible legacy, cementing the gallery as a national leader in the exhibition and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. I would like to congratulate Nici on the beginning of a new and exciting journey. She takes up the role of Director of Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. This collection and museum is regarded as the only institution outside Australia dedicated to the exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture.

Anyone who has spent time with Nici Cumpston can't help but be affected by her infectious good nature and her dedication to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of art and the importance of cultural stewardship. I wish her every success in her new role, confident that she will continue to be a powerful advocate for the art and culture of South Australian and Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.