New culture centre for North east Arnhem Land
A new $10.5 million culture and arts centre in Gapuwiyak in North East Arnhem Land has opened its doors to First Nations artists, community and visitors today.
The Federal Government has invested $8.5 million and the Northern Territory Government $2 million for the centre, which will be a space for artists to create, exhibit and sell their works, as well as a place for the community to come together.
It will showcase the vibrant culture and traditions of the Yolŋu people and is expected to become a cultural hub and drawcard for visitors to the region.
Artists from Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts are well known for their work, with recognition at the recent National Indigenous Fashion Awards and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards.
The Australian Army oversaw construction of the new centre by Aboriginal-owned business Kennelly Constructions as part of its Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programme (AACAP), with support from National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).
AACAP has delivered infrastructure and training services to more than 50 remote communities across Australia over the past almost three decades.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, said the centre was a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of cultural preservation.
“The centre will be a fitting home for artists to come together, showcasing the incredible talent of Gapuwiyak and surrounding homelands,” she said.
“This is not just an investment in remote community infrastructure – it is an investment in economic empowerment.”
Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs and Northern Australia, and Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling MP said the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programme provides a valuable service to remote communities through the delivery of infrastructure and training services.
“Their contribution to places such as the Gapuwiyak centre assisting to deliver both a cultural hub and a visitor drawcard reinforces the value of the program,” he said.
