Connecting the world with the unique Aboriginal art, culture and stories of the Kimberley, Australia.
Our Story
Kimberley Aboriginal Art and Culture is a collaborative alliance of First Nations centres representing artists from over 25 distinct languages from the desert, river, and saltwater communities across the remote Kimberley region in northwestern Australia.
Our alliance, traditionally connected through song lines and ancient trade routes, is not just a relic of the past. Today, we keep our cultural practices alive through diverse art-making and storytelling, demonstrating our adaptability and relevance. Our programs are centred around the intergenerational transfer of knowledge, connection to Country and truth-telling, providing economic independence to artists, investing in our communities, and building up future leaders.
Our grassroots alliance was initiated by artists and cultural leaders to collaborate and promote First Nations art and stories to a global audience.
We welcome partner organisations to collaborate with us on projects that bridge First Nations artists from the remote and rugged Kimberley region with the world.
Our Region
We proudly represent the remote northwest Kimberley region of Western Australia, a place of rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and nature's awe-inspiring beauty.
Our First Nations people have maintained a deep connection to this land for thousands of years. Today, the Kimberley's history is strongly influenced by the diverse impacts of colonisation. Our strength and dignity uphold our cultural narratives and communities.
Our Alliance Members
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![Dorothy Forrest (Artist)]()
Mangkaja Arts Resource Agency
Mangkaja Arts Resource Agency in Fitzroy Crossing started as part of the Karrayili Adult Education Centre to help local people learn English. Mangkaja, a Walmajarri word for the ëwet weather sheltersí erected by the Walmajarri people in the Great Sandy Desert during the wet season, was named by one of the art centre's founding members Kumanjayi (deceased) Skipper. The centre now operates as a fine art gallery, specialty store, and studio space, collaborating with major fashion labels and producing award-winning artists.
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Mowanjum Art & Culture Centre
The Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre is a creative hub for the Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunumbal tribes, who make up the Mowanjum community outside Derby, Western Australia. These three language groups are united by their belief in the Wandjina as a sacred spiritual force and the creators of the land. They are the custodians of Wandjina law and iconography. The centre hosts exhibitions, community projects, as well as the annual Mowanjum Festival, one of Australia's longest running indigenous cultural festivals.
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Warlayirti Artists
Warlayirti Artists is a holistic venture that prioritises the mental and spiritual well-being of artists through cultural development and daily art practice. The Balgo, Mulan, Billiluna, and Ringer Soak communities, along with eight language groups, make up a vibrant art region. Our artists are known for their bold, colourful work, which is represented in national and international collections. The art centre provides several large studio spaces for artists and a large purpose-built gallery where work is displayed and sold.
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![Tracey Ramsay, Artist]()
Warmun Art Centre
The Warmun Art Centre, located in Warmun (Turkey Creek), is owned and operated by the Gija people, with all proceeds returning to the community. Formerly, Jirrawun Arts, we have seen the rise of some of Australia’s most celebrated Aboriginal artists. We continue this legacy and celebrate Gija culture through painted cultural stories in the distinctive ochre tradition, art, dance, and strong cultural programs. Gija artists continue to hold a place among the nation’s leading contemporary practitioners and institutions.
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Waringarri Aboriginal Arts
Waringarri Aboriginal Arts celebrates the unique cultural identity of the Miriwoong people, located in Kununurra. Established in the 1980s, we are the first wholly Aboriginal-owned art centre in Western Australia. We support multigenerational Indigenous artists, and diverse art practice, including ochre painting, limited edition prints, textiles, couture fashion, installation art, and ceramics. We offer unique Aboriginal cultural programs focused on preserving culture while supporting artists and fostering economic independence.
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Kira Kiro Artists Project
The Kira Kiro Artists is a small art centre managed by Waringarri Aboriginal Arts in the Kalumburu community, situated on Kwini land. The Kira Kiro are spiritual figures depicted in rock art sites, believed to have been painted by the beak of the Sandstone Strike Thrush using blood from its wings. Today, artists paint these figures to share their stories and pass on their culture to the next generation. Contemporary practice including secular themes of land animals, sea-life and seasonal flora, focusing on bush foods and medicinal plant knowledge.
Our Impact
The Kimberley’s Art and Culture Centres are the beating heart of our First Nations communities. We are bound together through past, present and future, maintaining the connection to our Country and culture. Our culture is not just a part of us, it is what keeps our spirit and stories alive. Our kinship sustains our everlasting connection to each other and our Country. We are committed to passing on our culture to the next generation, empowering them to grow strong and live well in their community, ensuring a vibrant future for our First Nations.
Our centres promote ethical and sustainable practices. The proceeds are reinvested into the community to support ongoing arts and cultural projects, benefiting local employment, economic independence, and self-determination. We work towards driving social change, utilising local resources, and contributing to the local economy while ensuring successful programs and direct benefits to First Nations peoples.
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Our kinship systems guide us, ensuring everyone has responsibilities and a purpose. They also ensure belonging to place, community, and Country.
Our Centres support Elders in preserving and passing down cultural traditions to the next generation through art, truth-telling, and storytelling. The Wirnan Intergenerational Transfer of Knowledge program fosters kinship connections and cultural initiatives, supporting the well-being of our communities.
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We are generous. We share stories and skills for future generations.
Our cultural and art programs help to create a strong sense of community and promote belonging for all. They encourage intergenerational exchange, knowledge transfer, and enrich the cultural fabric, making everyone feel connected and included, and supporting more unified and cohesive communities.
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We are ethical, fully Aboriginal-owned and governed First Nations Art and Culture Centres.
Our community-driven centres aim to create safe and respectful environments for everyone. Our programs encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to participate. We promote lifelong learning through positive social interaction between young people and community Elders and share knowledge with non-Aboriginal audiences. Our centres are owned and governed by Aboriginal communities. We are members of the Indigenous Art Code and advocate for strong governance between employees and our respective members.
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We encourage two-way knowledge sharing with everyone and welcome all to participate in our programs.
Our Centres are a testament to the power of diversity. We come from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences, each bringing a unique wealth of ideas and enthusiasm to our projects. We are dedicated to supporting the career progression of our artists, from nurturing new and emerging talent to elevating senior, high-profile artists. Through our Emerging Curators program, we invest in our local workforce, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to take on responsibilities for our Centre programs and elevate storytelling from an authentic experience.
We firmly believe diverse experiences and knowledge enrich our Centres and community programs.
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The Kimberley Aboriginal Art and Culture program empowers the intergenerational transfer of knowledge and deep connection to Country through several integrational programs and initiatives. Many of these collaborative projects have been showcased at major Australian institutions and art fairs, which you can learn more about following the link below:
Wirnan Intergenerational Engagement and Learning Project: Impact Evaluation, August 2022
