Tropical Palm Island lies off the coast of Townsville and is home to one of the largest Aboriginal communities in Queensland.
In mid 2009 the Department of Public Works completed construction of two new government office buildings on Palm Island. These buildings will provide office accommodation for the Queensland Government to deliver enhanced services to the community.
In the planning stage, it was decided to ensure that the maximum number of local Palm Islanders were involved in the construction of the buildings, and to generate additional employment by including local art into the project.
Local Palm Island artists were commissioned to produce artwork which has been incorporated into the building fabrication and furniture including carpets, glass doors, windows, screens and panels inside and outside the building.
To showcase the artists and the artworks involved, the Department of Public Works has produced a catalogue titled looking forward.