The Territory Labor Government continues to invest in our regions, boosting economic growth and creating jobs with a $1 million investment to progress the Territory Arts Trail initiative at Injalak Arts in Gunbalanya, Arnhem Land.

One of the longest running remote Aboriginal art centres in Australia, Injalak Arts will complete a new screen printing workshop as part of the Arts Trail Gallery Extension Program.

The workshop will help the centre to promote its artists, their culture and artworks, and complement their guided tours building greater opportunities and creating local jobs.

Founded in 1989, Injalak Arts employs 20 Indigenous staff and works with more than 75 participating artists from Gunbalanya and surrounding outstations.

The Territory Labor Government is partnering with the Australian Government to support Injalak Arts and Crafts Aboriginal Corporation to take ownership and control of the art centre upgrades and to prepare for the Corporation to return to its members after a period of Special Administration.

The Arts Trail Gallery Extension Program is delivering targeted gallery infrastructure and innovative facilities to complement the Territory Arts Trail in Katherine, Tennant Creek and Arnhem Land. The Program will support jobs and economic growth through construction and tourism.

For further information on the Territory Government’s arts and creative industries 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:

“The gallery extension works at the Injalak Arts centre will ensure the people of West Arnhem have a workable facility to create new works and engage in the global art economy while providing a place for visitors to experience and purchase authentic Aboriginal art.

“Our Government supports Injalak Arts, a 100% Aboriginal-owned community organisation which delivers positive social, cultural and economic outcomes for the Gunbalanya community and its surrounding outstations.

“We know that the Territory’s rich art and culture is a major drawcard for national and international tourists and a key economic driver for the NT.

“The Arts Trail 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.”

Quotes from Member for Arafura Lawrence Costa speaking today at the handover event:

“It has been a difficult year for Injalak Arts and Crafts, so it is wonderful to see the centre returned to the Board and the local community after a period of time in Special Administration.  This is testament to the strength and tenacity of the art centre and the people of Gunbalanya. Injalak Arts can now look to the future and continue to grow as a critical economic, cultural and social hub for the people of West Arnhem Land.

“Visual arts is an important contributor to the local community with many people in this region relying on the Injalak Arts centre to sell their artworks, in turn supporting their families and the local economy.”

Quotes from member of the Injalak Arts & Crafts Aboriginal Corporation Advisory Committee member, Donna Nadjemerrek:

“We would like to thank both the Australian and Northern Territory Governments for the funding provided to enable Injalak Arts here at Gunbalanya to grow and prosper into the future.

“Our artists and local community are looking forward to the completion of the new screen printing building which will include dedicated spaces for a larger fabric screen printing workshop, archival storage and workspaces for art making which will expand our production and profile and increase employment for the local community.”