A Queensland art coordinator has raised fears the future of Indigenous art on Queensland’s Mornington Island is under threat as not enough young people are learning traditional painting.
Brett Evans from the Mornington Island Arts Centre says young people on the island are becoming less interested in committing to the traditional art form.
But he says it is vital the younger generation continues the tradition.
“A lot of what we paint is a lot of cultural, intellectual property,” he said.
“Transferring that knowledge to the next generation is also an important part of what we do.
“People know Indigenous people have a history, a very oral history of passing down songs and stories.”
Mr Evans says substance abuse may be one factor in the wavering interest.
“The community and friends impact on what people are doing,” he said.
“So there are issues like home brew and other issues in the community which certainly impact on that.
“I think that’s one of the things that we’re struggling with in trying to get younger ones to participate a lot more.”
