Anindilyakwa Arts - Aboriginal Art Centre
Image: Anindilyakwa Arts
The Aboriginal Art centre, Anindilyakwa Arts is a thriving hub of creativity located on the Groote Archipelago inextricably linked to its culture.
The program, supported by and aligned with ALC's mission statement "to protect," maintains this rich tradition while promoting it through new generations - ensuring that traditional ways will live forever!
The diverse arts programs at Art Centres in Umbakumba, Angurugu and Milyakburra bring together community members from across the archipelago to share their practices with other artists. These events encourage a revitalization of traditional female-led art forms like mangkurrwa (pandanus) weaving and string bags.
Men from the Angurugu Men’s Art space engage in a variety of crafts including bark painting, carving and making yiraka. Activities include harvesting raw materials that are then used to create new items for sale as well as promoting traditional practices among younger generation men who might be interested but have not had exposure before now.
The rejuvenated interest within this group comes about because there is an opportunity for self expression through these arts unlike other forms like football where one must rely heavily on outside influences
Anindilyakwa Aboriginal Artists have won numerous awards from prestigious institutions and continue to create artworks everyday.