Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Words by Lisa Keller

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.

Established in 2012, this 100% Aboriginal-owned art centre is more than just a hub for creativity; it is a movement redefining Indigenous art. For too long, First Nations artwork has been narrowly perceived as dot paintings and wall carvings, but Yalanji Arts is making a bold statement that it goes much deeper.

With six regular artists that are paving the way in their craft, Yalanji Arts Manager, Sabine Hoeng, has been helping the artists realise their visions since 2020. Her passion for Indigenous art is palpable, and she is determined to ensure that Yalanji Arts not only preserves the rich traditions of the Kuku Yalanji people but also brings their art to the attention of the world.

The centre focuses on three main mediums: ceramics, textile design and prints on paper. As with all decisions made at the centre, this conclusion was derived from a deep respect for the artists' wishes and an understanding of what they wanted to create. All business decisions are made in collaboration between the centre and the artists who are guided by a strategic plan and vision. "We asked the artists what they wanted to do the most, and they came up with screen printing and ceramics," Sabine said.

Yalanji Arts have also started to produce merchandise in the form of sarongs, bags, tea towels and socks, most of which is produced in-house or as close to as possible. Sabine said that cutting out the middleman means the artists see more of the profits, which is a key focus for the centre. “We are developing high quality, authentic Yalanji merchandise and we want to be able to control the quality and the entire production process,” she explained.

Karen Shuan Cassowary design in fabric - Male design 0N8A9493

Although tucked away in the local community behind Mossman Gorge, Yalanji Arts is not confined to its immediate surroundings. The centre made a big splash on the national stage this year, with incredible showings at the Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair (CIAF) and Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF).

These art shows, along with the Tarnanthi Art Fair in Adelaide, serve as critical platforms for Yalanji Arts to showcase its work and to elevate Indigenous art to new heights. DAAF in particular, was a stepping stone providing a unique opportunity for Yalanji Arts to introduce its textiles to the world of fashion through DAAF’s runway show, Country to Couture.

"The transition into fashion came about by sheer accident,” Sabine recalled. "We started producing high-volume fabrics that we wanted to showcase, and Linda Jackson just happened to be in Port Douglas at the time and it went from there.”

Linda Jackson, a high-profile Australian fashion designer, is renowned throughout Europe for her eclectic works that draw inspiration from cultures from across the globe. With a longstanding relationship working with Indigenous art centres, Sabine put forward a proposal to collaborate with Yalanji Arts and so their DAAF fashion collection, Underfire, was born.

The decision to showcase Yalanji Arts' fabrics at DAAF proved to be a masterstroke. The centre was one of only 24 Indigenous designers and art centres in Australia to be accepted into the lineup, a testament to the high quality of their work.

"Linda’s involvement was a turning point," said Sabine. "She worked closely with our artists to ensure the fabrics were highlighted in an authentic way. For us it was never about the fashion per se but about showcasing our fabrics and the talent of our artists.”

Model Latavia in Margaret Rocky Basket design in fabric - 93 Photo - Alison George, Catseye Productions 2024, Yalanji Arts, MR sarong 0N8A0754

These achievements are paving the way for Yalanji Arts to take the next big step: the opening of an art gallery and shop in Port Douglas. Scheduled for October 2024, the gallery will represent a significant milestone for the centre. "The gallery and shop will be a place where the world can come to see, experience, and purchase genuine Indigenous Yalanji art," Sabine said.

The gallery will feature works from Yalanji Arts’ member artists, but it will also open its doors to independent Yalanji artists. "For me, opening a Yalanji gallery and shop on their traditional land is a no-brainer and long overdue," Sabine explained. "It will mean all Yalanji artists will have the opportunity to showcase their work.

The gallery will be a hub for local Indigenous art, a place where the world can connect with the stories and traditions of the Kuku Yalanji people."
Yalanji Arts’ plans don’t stop at the gallery. The centre is also working on launching an online shop, which will feature all artworks and merchandise along with limited-edition prints that will be available for purchase.

Although the centre is not open to the public, they will be extending an invitation to engage with special interest groups, such as conference attendees from major hotels in the near future.

By offering Yalanji-led workshops and guided tours at the centre, Sabine hopes it will provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the culture and traditions that inspire the artists’ work, creating meaningful connections that extend beyond the art itself and allow guests to purchase artwork hot from the press (or kiln).

As Yalanji Arts continues to grow and evolve, its mission remains clear: to build the profile and reputation of Kuku Yalanji artists and ensure that their voices are heard around the world.

The opening of the gallery in Port Douglas marks the beginning of a new chapter for Yalanji Arts, one that promises to bring even greater recognition to the artists and their work. "This is just the beginning," Sabine said. "We have so much more to share, and we’re excited about what the future holds.

But at the end of the day, it’s all about the artists. It’s their vision, their talent, and their stories that are at the heart of everything we do."

As Yalanji Arts prepares to open its doors to the world, one thing is certain: Indigenous art is now being recognised for its versatility, weaving tradition with innovation and sharing the stories of Country that everyone should see.

yalanjiarts.com.au