Foreword by QYAC Chair, Cameron Costello
YURA! The much-awaited opening of QUAMPI marks a significant milestone in the celebration of the rich arts and culture of the Quandamooka people.
A cultural centre on Minjerribah has been a dream of our people for many decades.
That’s why the delivery of QUAMPI is a testament to the vision, commitment and resilience of the Quandamooka community, offering an artistic and cultural haven that respects and celebrates Quandamooka Country’s rich heritage.
QUAMPI will reimagine and reshape the tourism landscape on Quandamooka Country as we head towards the Cultural Olympiad and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
QUAMPI features a world-class, regional-standard gallery with permanent exhibitions of Quandamooka art, and workshop spaces, a talking circle, Elders space, cafe and gift shop, while also hosting local and international First Nations artists to exhibit their works.
Importantly, it will also be the new “home” of the popular Quandamooka Festival.
Designed through a collaborative effort between the Quandamooka community and the acclaimed architecture firm Cox, QUAMPI integrates elements of the land and sea – rammed earth, shells, and native timbers – symbolising the deep connection to the environment that has sustained the Quandamooka people for thousands of years.
QUAMPI is a $17 million investment by the Queensland Government, through the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation and the Australian Government through the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation.
We also acknowledge Origin’s contribution of a 53.5kW solar system, helping to reduce QUAMPI’s carbon footprint and deliver significant energy bill savings.
QUAMPI is a key deliverable of the Queensland Government’s Minjerribah Futures program, transitioning the island from sand mining, creating new jobs, boosting the local economy and acting as a major drawcard for sustainable eco-tourism.
After years in the making, I am so proud that QUAMPI will play a key role in bringing Quandamooka stories and culture to life.
Thank you to the Queensland Government, the Australian Government and other stakeholder agencies, Origin, our QYAC team under the guidance of Artistic Director Avril Quaill, and everyone who has played a part in making our dream become a reality.
