Local company, Troppo Architects will bring the new vision for Mimi Aboriginal Art and Craft in Katherine to life after being awarded the design tender under the Territory Labor Government’s $30 million Arts Trail Regional Gallery Extension Program.

The $2 million investment in the art centre will enhance the gallery, artists’ studio and retail spaces. It will also improve office and storage facilities as well as the energy efficiency and amenities of the building.

The project will support 14 jobs within the Katherine area and provide more opportunities for local artists within the Big Rivers region.

Design work is expected to be completed by December this year with the full completion of works by late 2021. The upgrades are progressing in consultation with local stakeholders including the Mimi Ngarrdalingi Aboriginal Corporation Board.

Once completed, Mimi Aboriginal Art and Craft will have greater capacity to further showcase the Aboriginal art and culture of the region and provide engaging experiences for visitors as we work towards economic recovery.

The Arts Trail Regional Gallery Extension Program is being rolled out across Katherine, Tennant Creek and Arnhem Land following targeted consultation.

For further information visit creativeeconomy.nt.gov.au

Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:

“The Territory Labor Government is investing in our regions and continuing to provide support to our arts sector during this challenging time.

“The $30 million Arts Trail Regional Gallery Extension Program is boosting economic growth across the Territory’s arts and cultural sector and creating jobs in regional areas, which is critical to ensure the sector can rebound.

“This support for Mimi Aboriginal Art and Craft will enhance their offerings and further cement their place on our nationally significant arts trail, as we position the Territory as the premier global destination for Aboriginal art and culture.”

Quotes from Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Selena Uibo:

“The Territory’s regional and remote art centres are important social and economic hubs, creating local jobs and economic opportunity as well as promoting and celebrating Aboriginal art and culture.

“Mimi Aboriginal Art and Craft is the only Katherine based, wholly Aboriginal owned and controlled art cooperative. It supports artists from Lajamanu, through to the Kimberley and Arnhemland and offers an ethical way to purchase Indigenous artwork.

“It’s important we continue to invest in cultural facilities like Mimi so that when people can visit Katherine again, they can enjoy a unique cultural experience and stay longer.”

Quotes from Mimi Aboriginal Art and Craft, Executive Officer, Michael Miller:

“This is exciting! We are one step closer to having our facilities upgraded to showcase the diverse range of arts and culture of the Katherine region.

“We at Mimi Aboriginal Art and Craft are extremely excited to start working with the architects to design a culturally appropriate place to share our arts and culture from the Katherine region.”

Media contact: Lisa Sennett 0436 929 858

Link: Compile footage