Djilpin Arts: Wugularr (Beswick), Katherine Region, NT
Tom Lewis — known by his ceremonial name Balang — was an actor, musician, and Jawoyn Elder who believed art could change the world. He founded Djilpin Arts in Wugularr in 2002, and that same year launched the Walking with Spirits Festival at Malkgulumbu (Beswick Falls), 15km from the community along the Waterhouse River. The festival has run every year since, bringing together ceremony, fire, music, and dance at one of the most significant sites on Wugularr country. Lewis was also co-director of the 2014 documentary Kundirri: The Life and Legacy of David Blanasi, about the late Elder and didjeridu master whose curated collection of West Arnhem paintings, etchings, and sculpture now forms the permanent Blanasi Collection at the centre's Ghunmarn Culture Centre.
Wugularr was known for most of the twentieth century by its English name, Beswick, taken from the former pastoral lease. In August 2024 the community formally reclaimed the Jawoyn name. Traditional Owners are the Bagala clan of the Jawoyn Nation, and the community also includes Rittharngu/Wagalak, Dalabon, Mialli, Mara, and Rembarrnga language groups. Djilpin Arts has 100% Indigenous membership of approximately 75 people from Wugularr and surrounding communities. The Ghunmarn Culture Centre is the retail gallery and museum at the heart of the Djilpin precinct, with free admission. A second gallery operates in Katherine. The Jawoyn Nation received Native Title to their lands in 1991.
Djilpin Arts at a glance
- Location: 2 Cameron Road, Wugularr (Beswick) NT 0852. 116km southeast of Katherine via the Central Arnhem Road.
- Founded: 2002 by Balang TE Lewis.
- People: Bagala clan of the Jawoyn Nation; also Rittharngu/Wagalak, Dalabon, Mialli, Mara, and Rembarrnga language groups.
- Art forms: Pandanus weaving, hand-cut didjeridus, paintings, etchings, prints, carvings, jewellery, textiles, film and animation.
- Ghunmarn Culture Centre: Museum and retail gallery housing the permanent Blanasi Collection. Free admission.
- Festival: Walking with Spirits Festival held annually at Malkgulumbu (Beswick Falls) since 2002.
- Artists: Julie Ashley, Marcus Blanasi, Vera Cameron, Patsy Forbes, Scott Hall, Frankie Lane, Norman Lane.
- Hours: Monday to Friday 9am–4pm.
- Permit: A Northern Land Council permit is usually required to access the community.
