A new $10.5 million culture and arts centre in Gapuwiyak in North East Arnhem Land officially opens its doors to First Nations artists, community and visitors today.
The Albanese Labor Government has invested $8.5 million and the Northern Territory Government $2 million for the centre, which will be a space for artists to create, exhibit and sell their works, as well as a place for the community to come together.
It will showcase the vibrant culture and traditions of the Yolŋu people and is expected to become a cultural hub and drawcard for visitors to the region.
Artists from Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts are well known for their work, with recognition at the recent National Indigenous Fashion Awards and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards.
The Australian Army oversaw construction of the new centre by Aboriginal-owned business Kennelly Constructions as part of its Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programme (AACAP), with support from National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).
AACAP has delivered infrastructure and training services to more than 50 remote communities across Australia over the past almost three decades.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“The new Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts Centre is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of cultural preservation.
“The centre will be a fitting home for artists to come together, showcasing the incredible talent of Gapuwiyak and surrounding homelands.
“This is not just an investment in remote community infrastructure – it is an investment in economic empowerment.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans' Affairs and Northern Australia, and Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling MP:
“The Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programme provides a valuable service to remote communities through the delivery of infrastructure and training services.
“Their contribution to places such as the Gapuwiyak centre assisting to deliver both a cultural hub and a visitor drawcard reinforces the value of the program.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Remote Communities and Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP:
“Creative spaces play such an important role for people living in a remote community.
“Investing in these spaces is vital for the development of jobs, culture and economy.
“I am delighted to see the new art centre in Gapuwiyak officially open, thanks to the Albanese Government and the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programme.”