Famous art centre faces closure

The Lockhart River Art Centre in far north Queensland is is expected to put into liquidation after a court was told it had failed to lodge annual reports.

The centre, founded over 30 years ago and acclaimed internationally for its Indigenous arts, is a registered charity.

But it has been accused of two counts of failing to lodge annual reports with the registrar, and one count of failing to lodge a general report.

And a solicitor representing the corporation told Cairns Magistrates Court “Steps are being taken to … appoint a liquidator.”

Magistrate Leanne Scoines adjourned the case until next month after she was told the corporation had yet to enter a plea to the regulatory breaches.

The centre had struggled in recent years after the passing of some artists and others had moved from the community.

Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council CEO David Clarke said in a statement, published by the ABC, the council would “consider matters of continuity once all information is to hand on the current facility and board”.

“Council also understands the importance of the creative arts to our community with a long and strong history of dance and arts production,” Mr Clarke said.