Flying Arts Drinks Reception in support of Flying Arts Alliance

Welcome to Fernberg for this evening’s celebration of another successful year for the Flying Arts Alliance.

In February, Kaye and I were given a wonderful introduction to this great Queensland organisation when we attended the launch of Vital Signs, the touring exhibition of the Queensland Regional Art Awards.

That exhibition at ‘The Judy’ in Fortitude Valley was my first official engagement as Patron, and it is very pleasing to follow it up tonight with Flying Arts next year marking forty-five remarkable years of achievement.

Looking back over those years, it is clear that creating connections between people, wherever they live in this vast State, has been in the DNA of this unique organisation since Merv Moriarty got his pilot’s license and pursued his dream of taking art to remote parts of the State in the same way as the Flying Doctor took medical services to the bush.

Since then, Flying Arts has developed new services and has enthusiastically embraced technology. It has also broadened its scope by absorbing the Queensland Artworkers Alliance to create the Flying Arts Alliance in twenty-eleven.

But, irrespective of growth and change, the core philosophy remains — using direct engagement with the arts to break down isolation, enhance well-being, inspire creativity, and bolster resilience.

That founding concept has won the long-term support of a dedicated group of sponsors, including the Fairfax Family Foundation. On behalf of the many Queenslanders in remote Queensland who have been reached by Flying Arts, I thank all sponsors for the contribution they have made and continue to make.

Thank you again for joining me this evening. As Patron, I look forward to continuing to play a part in Flying Arts’ future and, especially, to seeing next year’s exhibition featuring Merv Moriarty’s work — it will be a most fitting celebration of forty-five great years.