Yarliyil Art Centre: Jaru, Gija and Walmajarri Artists, Halls Creek, WA
Yarliyil is the Jaru word for small paperbark tree, a tree people used for shelter when living traditionally on country. The name was chosen deliberately. The centre was formed in 1998 by local artists who wanted a place to practise and express culture through the visual arts. It closed for a period, then re-opened in November 2010 with support from the Shire of Halls Creek. A new purpose-built gallery and studio was completed in 2015 on the Great Northern Highway, where the centre operates today. Yarliyil is an Aboriginal-owned enterprise hosted by the Shire of Halls Creek, with more than 100 artist members from the Jaru, Gija, and Walmajarri language groups. Artists attend daily to paint, carve, and work across a range of mediums. The centre also supports Yaruman artists from the Ringer Soak community, 170km southeast of Halls Creek.
Halls Creek sits in the Central Kimberley, on the traditional country of the Jaru and Gija people. Artists at Yarliyil work across diverse styles, depicting country, history, cultural stories, and everyday life. Artists include Maggie Long, Bonnie Deegan, Lulu Trancollino, Rosie Lala, Barry Demi, Maureen Deegan, Graham Lightning, and Janet Dreamer. Paintings, limited edition prints, carvings, and merchandise are available in the gallery.
Yarliyil Art Centre at a glance
- Location: Lot 300, Great Northern Highway, Halls Creek, WA 6770.
- Established: 1998. Re-opened November 2010. Current facility built 2015.
- People: Jaru, Gija, and Walmajarri, Central Kimberley.
- Artists: 100+ members. Also supports Yaruman artists from Ringer Soak community.
- Art forms: Acrylic painting on canvas, limited edition prints, wood carving, merchandise.
- Access: No permit required. Gallery open to visitors on the Great Northern Highway in Halls Creek.
