This report presents the results of a survey of remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in the Far North Queensland region (including the Torres Strait Islands). It forms one component of a national survey of remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists undertaken progressively across six regions in remote Australia. 

The survey aims to investigate and analyse the extent to which art and cultural production can provide a viable pathway towards economic empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in remote towns, settlements, homelands and outstations.

The report posits that in the right conditions, art and cultural production can be an effective avenue towards employment creation and income generation, helping to improve the long-term prospects for economic sustainability and social viability, and doing so in a way that respects the fundamental importance of First Nations culture. 

The report shows how the visual artists, performing artists, composers, writers, filmmakers and multimedia artists in the region represent a rich resource of cultural capital. But the data show considerable untapped potential – experienced artists who are willing to work at cultural production but who for various reasons may not be able to participate fully in the art economy at the present time. It identifies policy issues and provides recommendations.