Djomi Museum relocating to Maningrida Arts and Culture site to protect significant Aboriginal art collection

One of the country’s most significant community collections of Aboriginal art will soon be housed at a purpose-built museum in Maningrida.

Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Jacqueline Phillips, Chief Minister Eva Lawler, and Member for Arafura Manuel Brown at Maningrida Arts & Culture. Picture: Supplied.

One of the country’s most culturally significant community collections of Aboriginal art will soon be housed in a purpose-built museum, with the release of a design tender to relocate the Djomi Museum to the site of the Maningrida Arts and Culture.

The merger will create a modern arts and culture precinct at the West Arnhem community, housing photographs, bark paintings, sculpture works, artefacts and weavings.

The move hopes to better preserve the extremely valuable collection – much of which has previously been threatened by termites, water leaks, and fires.

Aboriginal bark painting by George Ganyjibala from Yilan, at Maningrida Arts and Culture.

It will also allow for better community access, intergenerational transfer of knowledge and social memory, easier staffing, and more opportunities for tourism.

This project forms part of the NT government’s $30m Arts Trail Gallery Extension Program, which is rolling out across Arnhem Land, Katherine, and Tennant Creek.

Plans for the precinct have progressed in consultation with Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation BAC, the MAC Steering Committee and traditional owners.

The tender will close on 20 June.

Arafura MLA Manuel Brown said many of the locals were looking forward to seeing the project get underway.

“Maningrida artists are well known nationally and internationally for their striking art works that portray a deep connection to country and culture, and the Djomi Museum houses a unique collection that has significant heritage value to the Northern Territory,” he said.

Arts Minister Chansey Paech said merging MAC and Djomi would “better protect the museum assets, and maximise visitation to the precinct as part of our plan to firmly position the NT as a cultural destination”.

“With more than 100 community art galleries, museums and Keeping Places across the Territory, our rich art and culture is a key economic driver in the creative industries; and also supports the maintenance of cultural knowledge and skills.”