Mimi Aboriginal Art and Craft is set to undergo a transformation this year with gallery, artists’ studio and retail spaces to be enhanced as part of the Territory Labor Government’s Arts Trail initiative.

The $2 million upgrades will boost the economic potential of Mimi Arts and provide more opportunities for local artists.

They are part of the Territory Labor Government’s $30 million Arts Trail Regional Gallery Extension Program, which will also see significant upgrades to Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre (GYRACC) in Katherine.

The Territory’s unique arts and cultural offerings are a major drawcard for visitors. The Territory Labor Government is strategically investing in arts and cultural facilities to attract more visitors, keep them here for longer and ensure they get out and about in our regions, boosting economic growth and local jobs.

A business case has been undertaken to underpin the investment which includes concept drawings.

An improved fit for purpose facility will provide more opportunities for artists and attract more visitors to purchase Aboriginal art and engage with artists to understand and experience the depth of Aboriginal art and culture in the region.

Upgrades will also improve office and storage facilities for valuable art works and artefacts and improve the energy efficiency and amenities of the building.

Mimi Aboriginal Art and Craft will also receive strategic business support which will help to ensure the ongoing sustainability of this important regional gallery.

For further information on the Territory Government’s arts and cultural investment visit creativeeconomy.nt.gov.au or for information about the Territory Arts Trail tourism campaign, holiday deals and itineraries, visit www.territoryartstrail.com

Quotes from Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Eva Lawler:

“This $2 million capital funding to Mimi Aboriginal Art and Craft through the $30 million Arts Trail Regional Gallery Extension Program is part of our election commitment to build a nationally significant arts trail to position the Territory as the premier global destination for Aboriginal art and culture.

“With more than 100 community art galleries, museums and keeping places in the Territory, our rich art and culture is a major drawcard for national and international tourists and a key economic driver. Capital investment in these cultural facilities will enhance visitor offerings and support local artists, jobs and businesses.

“We want to support communities to showcase their work in the best way possible by investing in and providing support to grow our arts and cultural industry.”

Quotes from Member for Katherine, Sandra Nelson MLA:

“I look forward to seeing the upgrades at Mimi Aboriginal Art and Craft which will improve the gallery, enhance the studio space for artists and ultimately, the experience for our visitors.

“The Territory Labor Government’s investment in a nationally significant Arts Trail throughout the Territory will help to support and grow our regional arts and cultural sector - that means more jobs for locals and greater opportunities for our Aboriginal artists.”

Quotes from Mimi Ngarrdalingi Aboriginal Corporation Board Co-Chairpersons Miliwanga Wurrben and Ms Christine Butler:

“Mimi Aboriginal Art and Craft represents artists from the entire Katherine region spanning from the Tanami Desert in the west up to the Kimberley’s and across to the saltwater and freshwater people of Arnhem Land.

“Mimi’s artwork is as diverse as the lands it represents; styles include polymer paint on canvas, bark painting, fibre weaving, jewellery, didgeridoos, limited edition prints, carving and weaponry’.

“As a 100% Aboriginal owned and not-for-profit art centre, more than 50 per cent of sales are returned to artists and remaining proceeds go towards running the art centre and providing customers with an ethical way to purchase Aboriginal artwork.

“We offer artists the opportunity to maintain their Aboriginal culture through traditional and contemporary artistic expression while providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy watching artists painting and creating works at the centre.”

Media contact: Lisa Sennett 0436 929 858