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indigenous art.

In the lush embrace of Kuku Yalanji Country, where the rainforest and
ocean converge in a symphony of natural beauty, Yalanji Arts stands as
a beacon of cultural pride and artistic innovation.

WORDS by Lisa Keller
PHOTOGRAPHY by Alison George, Catseye Productions

Established in 2012, this 100% Aboriginal-owned art centre is high quality, authentic Yalanji merchandise and we want to be
more than just a hub for creativity; it is a movement redefining able to control the quality and the entire production process,”
Indigenous art. For too long, First Nations artwork has been she explained.
narrowly perceived as dot paintings and wall carvings, but Although tucked away in the local community behind
Yalanji Arts is making a bold statement that it goes much Mossman Gorge, Yalanji Arts is not confined to its immediate
deeper. surroundings. The centre made a big splash on the national
With six regular artists that are paving the way in their stage this year, with incredible showings at the Cairns
craft, Yalanji Arts Manager, Sabine Hoeng, has been helping Indigenous Arts Fair (CIAF) and Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair
the artists realise their visions since 2020. Her passion for (DAAF). These art shows, along with the Tarnanthi Art Fair in
Indigenous art is palpable, and she is determined to ensure that Adelaide, serve as critical platforms for Yalanji Arts to showcase
Yalanji Arts not only preserves the rich traditions of the Kuku its work and to elevate Indigenous art to new heights. DAAF in
Yalanji people but also brings their art to the attention of the particular, was a stepping stone providing a unique opportunity
world. for Yalanji Arts to introduce its textiles to the world of fashion
The centre focuses on three main mediums: ceramics, textile through DAAF’s runway show, Country to Couture.
design and prints on paper. As with all decisions made at the “The transition into fashion came about by sheer accident,”
centre, this conclusion was derived from a deep respect for Sabine recalled. “We started producing high-volume fabrics
the artists’ wishes and an understanding of what they wanted that we wanted to showcase, and Linda Jackson just happened
to create. All business decisions are made in collaboration to be in Port Douglas at the time and it went from there.”
between the centre and the artists who are guided by a strategic Linda Jackson, a high-profile Australian fashion designer,
plan and vision. “We asked the artists what they wanted to do is renowned throughout Europe for her eclectic works that
the most, and they came up with screen printing and ceramics,” draw inspiration from cultures from across the globe. With a
Sabine said. longstanding relationship working with Indigenous art centres,
Yalanji Arts have also started to produce merchandise in the Sabine put forward a proposal to collaborate with Yalanji Arts
form of sarongs, bags, tea towels and socks, most of which is and so their DAAF fashion collection, Underfire, was born.
produced in-house or as close to as possible. Sabine said that The decision to showcase Yalanji Arts’ fabrics at DAAF proved
cutting out the middleman means the artists see more of the to be a masterstroke. The centre was one of only 24 Indigenous
profits, which is a key focus for the centre. “We are developing