Rita Pryce is a Kulkalgal and Kawrareg woman, born and raised in Zenadth Kes, Torres Strait Islands, and currently based in Gimuy. She is Artistic Director/CEO of the Pryce Centre for Culture and Arts. In late 2012, Rita travelled to England (UK) for 3 weeks after receiving the British Council’s Accelerate Leadership Award. Her experience there inspired her to formally establish the the Cultural School of Arts, which has recently received multi-year funding for through Arts Queensland. This will allow First Nations youth to access and explore Cultural and creative arts training, production, development and career opportunities.

She is committed to raising the profile of dance throughout North Queensland and the raw talent that exists in the region. She is passionate about empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, and creates development and employment opportunities for them by engaging them in Pryce Centre’s Social Impact Programs. She believes that authentic ancient wisdom, along with the other valuable information handed down over the generations by ancestors including survival skills, are the key to ensuring our young people stay well and on track.