Aboriginal Art and Culture in The Kimberley Region
If you’ve made it as far as Broome and have an interest in Aboriginal art, you’re better off buying directly from a community art centre rather than an independent gallery. These centres ensure fair compensation for artists and preserve cultural traditions, offering an ethical way to support Aboriginal communities. When travelling through Broome and the Kimberley region, it’s impossible not to feel the deep connection to Aboriginal culture and art that this landscape holds. The region is home to numerous community-run art centres that embody the unique stories, traditions, and contemporary expressions of local Aboriginal peoples. Visiting these centres provides a rare opportunity to engage with the artists, hear their stories, and support their work, all while connecting to the deep cultural history and spirituality tied to the land.
Ngarlu Jandu Yawuru Art Centre in Broome
Broome’s Ngarlu Jandu Yawuru Art Centre offers visitors the opportunity to engage with the rich artistic traditions of the Yawuru people. This community-run women's centre showcases a wide range of art forms with focus on printed materials. The centre is dedicated to preserving the cultural practices of the Yawuru community, and visiting provides a chance to support their work and learn more about the unique cultural identity of this region.
Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre in Derby
Located near Derby, Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre is the creative heart of the Worrorra, Ngarinyin, and Wunambal peoples. The centre is renowned for its powerful Wandjina art, which portrays ancestral spirits central to the beliefs of these groups. Visitors to Mowanjum have the chance to learn directly from the artists, exploring the deep ceremonial significance of their work and the stories that shape the art.
Mangkaja Arts Resource Agency in Fitzroy Crossing
In Fitzroy Crossing, Mangkaja Arts is home to artists from the Walmajarri, Wangkajunga, Gooniyandi, and Bunuba peoples, who create bold and vibrant works inspired by both desert and river Country. The artists’ connection to their land is reflected in their paintings, which tell stories of country, identity, and spirituality. Visiting Mangkaja allows you to purchase artworks directly from the artists, ensuring that your support benefits the local community.
Yilili Aboriginal Art Centre (just before Halls Creek)
Situated in the remote community of Yilili, this art centre is home to artists from the Kija and Gooniyandi groups. The artworks from Yilili are known for their vibrant use of colour and dynamic compositions, often depicting stories of Country, waterholes, and ancestral journeys. Visiting Yilili allows you to experience a more remote perspective of Kimberley Aboriginal art, where the landscape and cultural traditions are intricately woven into each piece.
Yarliyil Art Centre in Halls Creek
Located in Halls Creek, Yarliyil Art Centre is a thriving community hub for the Jaru, Kija, Kukatja, and Walmajarri people. The centre showcases vibrant artworks that reflect the landscapes, Dreaming stories, and cultural heritage of the region. Known for its strong connection to Country, Yarliyil offers visitors the chance to purchase artworks directly from the artists, supporting the community’s cultural and economic sustainability. This art centre is a must-visit for those looking to experience the unique artistic expression of the Halls Creek area.
Warmun Art Centre in Turkey Creek
Located in Warmun (Turkey Creek), the Warmun Art Centre is a hub for the Gija people, whose artistic traditions are deeply tied to the land and stories of the East Kimberley. The centre is known for its ochre paintings, created using natural pigments sourced from the local environment. These artworks reflect the Gija people’s strong cultural ties to their Country, offering a unique insight into their Dreaming stories and spiritual connection to the landscape.
Waringarri Aboriginal Arts in Kununurra
In Kununurra, Waringarri Aboriginal Arts is one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in the Kimberley, representing the Miriwoong people. The art produced here spans multiple mediums, from painting to sculpture, all of which tell stories of Country, Dreaming, and contemporary Indigenous life. Waringarri artists are deeply connected to their community, and the centre offers visitors the chance to explore not only the art but the stories behind each piece. Engaging with the artists here provides a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of the works and the importance of their preservation.
Indigenous-Led Rock Art Tours
While travelling through the Kimberley, you’ll have the chance to join Indigenous-run rock art tours, which offer a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s oldest art in its original setting. Local Aboriginal guides will lead you through ancient rock art sites, explaining the significance of the art and the stories behind it. These tours are an unforgettable way to experience the depth of Aboriginal culture and the connection between the land and its people. Look for tours in areas around Mowanjum, the Gibb River Road, and Kununurra, where you can see Wandjina and Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art, some of the oldest known artworks in the world.
By visiting these art centres and taking part in a rock art tour, you’ll gain a richer understanding of the depth and diversity of Aboriginal art in the Kimberley. Each centre and site offers a new layer of storytelling, allowing you to see how ancient traditions continue to inspire and shape contemporary Aboriginal art today. This journey not only supports the artists and their communities but also provides a meaningful connection to one of the world’s oldest living cultures.