Tully Arts and Cultural Precinct Inc.
The vision for an Arts and Cultural Precinct in Tully is the beginning of a journey deeply rooted in the rich heritage, creativity, and spirit of our region.
The Tully Arts and Cultural Precinct is a vision we wish to bring to life—a space that celebrates the rich culture, heritage, creativity, and community spirit of our region. Housing an Art Gallery, Museum, Theatre, Retail Shop, creative spaces, and offices for the Gulgnay Traditional Owners, it will preserve and share the stories and traditions that shape our identity.
At its heart, the precinct honors the Gulgnay people, providing a safe home for returned Traditional Objects and providing opportunities to acknowledge and honour local culture and language. It will also be a hub for artistic expression, offering a space where creativity flourishes, connections are made, and inspiration thrives.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, the precinct will aim to embrace the unique environment of our tropical rainforest. It will foster community pride and inclusion, and provide a welcoming space that celebrates diversity and strengthens cultural bonds.
More than a venue, the precinct is a catalyst for growth—socially, culturally, and economically—empowering our community to connect, contribute, and thrive together.
Principles: Reconciliation and Truth Telling
Positively contribute to reconciliation, cultural respect, heritage and healing with local Traditional Owners, the Gulgnay people. Benefit Traditional Owners and Indigenous artists by actively preserving culture through sharing and recognition. Caretaking and preserving Cultural Objects for current and future generations. There is currently no safe storage or display options to house these items. Facilitate cultural connection for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. Improve awareness and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Engage students in arts, cultural and heritage through school excursions, activities and events.
Principles: Arts and Culture development
Provide creative and professional development opportunities for local and regional artists. Facilitate exhibitions, events, seminars, displays and workshops. Provide rehearsal spaces for theatre and music groups. Provide artists opportunities to generate income through gallery sales, retail outlet and exhibition and performance admission fees.
Principles: Inclusion and Connection
Provide positive opportunities to bring the community together. Provide a strong connection with the local environment. Generate employment and training opportunities . Improve awareness and understanding across cultures and celebrate our multi-cultural community. Align with the Communities 2032 plan to create vibrant, inclusive, cohesive, accessible and resilient communities.
Principles: Collaboration
Collaborate with government, small business, community groups, individuals, cultural groups, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Gulgnay Traditional Owners. Work with all stakeholders, to achieve a shared purpose, and create a unique Arts and Cultural Precinct for Tully. Ensure the community has access to meaningful opportunities, to provide input at all stages of the project. Develop partnerships in the arts and culture, reconciliation, history, heritage, museums, performing arts, environment, education, creativity, social interaction, youth engagement, tourism, innovation, small business and local government.
Principles: Sustainability
Be economically and environmentally sustainable ensuring the long-term viability of the precinct and the positive benefits for the community and the region.
Implement best practice and industry standards in design, construction and operation.
Create a retail outlet that enhances tourism experiences, supports local artists, promotes arts and culture and contributes to the local economy.
Complement and enhance, existing arts and cultural activities in the region.
Generate volunteering, skills development and training opportunities through the facility.
Deliver economic benefits for small businesses and the broader community, generating employment opportunities and economic benefits throughout.
Leverage its location within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and natural environments.
Promote tourism and increase visitor numbers for Tully and the surrounding areas.
Establish an independent incorporated community association to oversee the development and ongoing operations of the facility.
Tully has so much to be proud of—its location in the glorious Wet Tropics, its people and industry, its talent, its histories and the unique culture of the Rainforest Aboriginal people across the region.
But where is there for us to express and showcase what we have?
