Gapuwiyak’s new Arts and Culture Centre opens – celebrating Yolŋu talent and driving local jobs

18 August 2025

Gapuwiyak celebrated a major milestone with the opening of its brand-new Culture and Arts Centre - a stunning hub for Yolŋu creativity, cultural exchange and economic opportunity in East Arnhem Land.

Backed by investment from the Finocchiaro CLP Government and delivered in partnership with the Australian Government, the centre was shaped by local voices and led by the Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts Aboriginal Corporation (GCAAC).

Minister for Arts, Jinson Charls attended the official opening on Saturday 16 August and said the Finocchiaro CLP Government is proud to deliver projects that bring real, lasting benefits to remote communities across the Territory.

“Gapuwiyak’s new Culture and Arts Centre is more than a building – it’s a celebration of Yolŋu talent and tradition, and a powerful driver of jobs and opportunity in East Arnhem Land.

“Aboriginal art centres like this keep culture strong, create livelihoods and build local economies.

Proudly owned and governed by Yolŋu members, the GCAAC supports more than 100 artists from Gapuwiyak and surrounding homelands. This new facility gives artists the space, tools and platforms to create, exhibit and sell their work while strengthening the local economy and keeping cultural knowledge strong for future generations.

The Australian Army played an important role through its Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP), working with the community and local contractors to deliver essential infrastructure and site works.

Located near Lake Evella, the centre blends seamlessly with its natural surrounds and features a museum, gallery, artist studios, workshops, a café and offices – a culturally safe space for innovation, learning and connection.

Aboriginal art centres like Gapuwiyak are often the primary source of non-government income in remote communities. They support artists through fair payment and reinvestment of profits, while strengthening broader social and economic wellbeing.

The opening comes hot on the heels of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, which generated millions in sales for NT art centres, and follows national recognition for local artists – with Sonia Gurrpulan Guyula taking out the Telstra Emerging Artist Award at the 42nd National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, and Rena Ngalinggama Guyula winning the Traditional Adornment Award at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards.

On top of construction, the NT Government invested over $150,000 in capacity building - from governance training to exhibition planning - plus $20,000 for new equipment, including a professional printing press.

Media contact - Olivia Sherlock - 0407 089 389

Images of the official opening of the Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts Centre on Saturday 16 August 2025.