Committing to art for life

Driving the arts in the Redcliffe Peninsula community has always been the goal for Yutaka Tadokoro, affectionately known as ‘Tad’.

Tad first joined the Redcliffe Pottery Group as president in 2007 and later joined the Moreton Bay Arts Council as vice-president in 2012.

“God, that’s 17 years. Well, I know that I’ve been doing presidency for many years, but I didn’t realise it was that long,” Tad says laughing.

His mission has always been to stimulate the Peninsula through art with markets, classes and workshops and change the perception of art in the community.

“For me, art is very much in my blood…(and) I’d really like to see the arts community thrive…” Tad explains.

“People need art, so you should have a happy balance to have a mature mindset.

“If there’s anything to do to improve the development and stimulate the community at large, I think volunteers have a very important role.”

He walks the talk, volunteering for several other arts organisations.

“(I am involved in) the Redcliffe and District Arts and Crafts Advisory Board and Ceramic Arts Queensland (CAQ),” he says.

“From time to time I do some odd jobs like RADF advisory committee…I don’t know whether I’m going to take up anything more, but you know, I don’t mind.”

“What we are trying to do is change the perception. Art is just as good as and just as important as, say, sports for your mindset and for your mental state.

“When you run (an organisation) like this, members come first and then you think what we can do for the members and the benefit of the members, and that’s all I think about – nothing else.”

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