Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative. Photo: Margaret Olah
Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative: Leichhardt, Sydney, NSW
In 1987, ten Aboriginal artists in Sydney decided they wanted recognition from the mainstream art world on their own terms. Euphemia Bostock, Fiona Foley, the late Michael Riley, Tracey Moffatt, Jeffrey Samuels, Bronwyn Bancroft, Avril Quaill, Fern Martens, the late Arone Meeks, and Brenda L. Croft founded Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative, challenging the assumption that authentic Aboriginal art only came from remote communities. The late Euphemia Bostock was among the founding ten; all three deceased founders are acknowledged on Boomalli's own site. In the languages of the Bundjalung, Gamilaroi, and Wiradjuri peoples, boomalli means "to strike; to make a mark."
Boomalli is the longest-running Aboriginal owned and run arts organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting NSW language group artists. It operates as a lateral co-operative, with senior artists mentoring new and emerging artists. The gallery, studio, and retail space at 55-59 Flood Street, Leichhardt hosts regular exhibitions and community events, with additional events held across other Sydney venues. The co-operative works across painting, photography, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media, and has maintained continuous operation since 1987 on limited funding, staff, volunteers, and community support.
Boomalli at a glance
- Location: 55-59 Flood Street, Leichhardt NSW. Sydney's Inner West.
- Established: 1987. Longest-running Aboriginal owned and run arts organisation in NSW.
- Artists: NSW language group artists, urban and regional.
- Art forms: Painting, photography, sculpture, printmaking, mixed media.
- Founding members: Euphemia Bostock (dec.), Fiona Foley, Michael Riley (dec.), Tracey Moffatt, Jeffrey Samuels, Bronwyn Bancroft, Avril Quaill, Fern Martens, Arone Meeks (dec.), Brenda L. Croft.
