Shaun

He’s a young leader, masters in philosophy in public health student and visual artist from Cape York. Based in Sydney but traveling the country on assignment, Shaun’s passion for well-being and his deep desire for his people’s advancement has driven him to explore a number of avenues in health and the arts. His career path is uniquely diverse as a result. He brings a freshness and spirituality to the canvas as well as the heath sector. Shaun began his arts career in 1993 and graduated in 1997, during this time exhibiting his art in Australia and internationally, building an impressive portfolio of work in catalogues, editorial and media. Having trained in the areas of visual arts, arts management, health promotion and currently masters of philosophy in public health, he uses his skills to enhance the capacity of Indigenous Australia...

This has seen him introduce new thinking to build on 19 century systems that have failed in Indigenous Australia. Over the past 2 years he has founded and event managed the Kowanyama Baby Festival in Cape York, a concept that celebrates a traditional baby story and maternal and child health. Over the last 3 years Shaun has had 2 major solo exhibitions in Melbourne and Brisbane. His artwork is included in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia, Griffith University and many private collections worldwide.He has served a 2 year, hand picked appointment by the previous Premier of Queensland Peter Beattie as board member to the Queensland Indigenous Art Marketing and Export Agency – QIAMEA in Brisbane where he assisted in the development of 3 major International exhibitions, consequently touring Europe, New York and Washington DC.In April 2007 he took on the leadership role of the first Indigenous Environment Foundation (IEF) in Australia, a new organisation grown out of the need to better manage Aboriginal land and its conservation. His persistence has been responsible for a number of historic win’s including the Cape York Heritage Act and ABC’s Australian Story documentary of ‘Cry me a River’ that Shaun featured on. He has also appeared on ABC’s Late line and guest spoken numerous times on National radio. Shaun is currently working with IEF to work on high-level advocacy, enterprise and climate change development for Cape York.Shaun’s personal highlights in 2007 have been recipient of the Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies; research grants program to assist with his Masters study. In 2008 he event managed the Indigenous parade entry for the 30th Annual Sydney Mardi Gras in Sydney. www.myspace.com/_blackbootyWhen not traveling the country, Shaun indulges sun and sand somewhere on a remote beach. His work challenges norms of traditional Cape York knowledge while maintaining a strong sense of individualism. He is building a strong reputation on the Australian scene not only for his art but also as a pioneer to bring about a just future for his people.