Tiwi Designs is one of the oldest and most artistically diverse Aboriginal art centres in Australia
Situated at Nguiu on the southeastern corner of Bathurst Island, this art centre is a cornerstone of the Tiwi community, home to approximately 1,500 people. Bathurst Island, part of the Tiwi Islands, lies 80 kilometres north of Darwin and covers 2,200 square kilometres. Nguiu is well-connected, boasting an airport with regular daily flights and a weekly barge delivery service. A community boat offers a quick trip across the Apsley Strait to Melville Island, further integrating the Tiwi communities.
Tiwi Designs is renowned for its wide range of artistic outputs, producing ochre paintings on canvas and bark, ironwood carvings, screen-printed fabrics, ceramics, bronze and glass sculptures, and limited edition prints. The centre's mission is to promote, preserve, and enrich Tiwi culture through its diverse and high-quality artistic creations.
The Tiwi Designs art complex is located near Tingata (the beach) on Apsley Strait and comprises several specialised facilities, including a carver's shelter, pottery studio, screen printing studio, painting studio, administrative centre, and retail gallery. This comprehensive setup provides artists with the resources and space they need to explore and refine their crafts in a supportive environment.
The origins of Tiwi Designs trace back to 1968 when two young men, Bede Tungatalum and Giovanni Tipungwuti, collaborated with school art teacher Madeline Clear in a small room beneath the Catholic Presbytery on Bathurst Island. They initially focused on wood block prints, leveraging traditional wood carving techniques that were deeply rooted in Tiwi culture. By 1969, the artists had transitioned to silk screen printing, making textiles a major activity for Tiwi Designs. Their innovative designs quickly garnered national attention, culminating in a set of six linen place mats winning the Industrial Design Council of Australia's Good Design Award in 1970.
By 1976, Tiwi Designs had moved into larger premises, allowing for an expansion of its art and craft activities. In 1980, the partnership transitioned into an association, reaffirming its commitment to promoting, preserving, and enriching Tiwi culture.
Today, Tiwi Designs continues to thrive with the same dedication and passion. Approximately 100 artists work with the centre, creating a diverse array of artworks, including paintings, wood sculptures, textiles, ceramics, pandanus weaving, and printmaking. The organisation remains an integral part of the Aboriginal art and craft industry in Australia, supporting both traditional and contemporary art practices. By working with highly skilled artists, Tiwi Designs ensures that the rich cultural heritage of the Tiwi people is expressed and celebrated through their exceptional artwork.
The impact of Tiwi Designs extends far beyond the art itself. The centre plays a vital role in the social and economic fabric of the Tiwi community by providing employment opportunities, fostering cultural pride, and facilitating the transfer of knowledge between generations. Through workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative projects, Tiwi Designs not only nurtures the artistic skills of its members but also enhances their visibility on national and international stages.
Tiwi Designs' commitment to maintaining the authenticity and integrity of Tiwi art has earned it a reputation for excellence and authenticity, attracting art lovers and collectors from around the world. Each piece created at Tiwi Designs is not only a work of art but also a testament to the enduring cultural legacy of the Tiwi people. The centre continues to innovate and evolve, blending traditional techniques with contemporary influences to produce artworks that are both timeless and modern.