Numbulwar Numburindi Arts

Numbulwar Numburindi Arts is a community run art centre, dedicated to championing fibre art. Numbulwar Numburindi Arts Project Manager, Ella Doonan kindly shared with us the story and significance behind Numbulwar Numburindi Arts including the meaning of the organisation’s name; “Numbulwar is the name of the place, and Numburindi is the name for the people of this region.”

Ella explains, “Numbulwar Numburindi Arts is a shining example of self-determination. The community completely self-funded the establishment of the art centre driven from the need for a place for artists to work on their fibre art. The artists have been making traditional fibre art for many years, using a combination of harvested natural materials including pandanus, dyed using roots, berries and leaves from the surrounding area.” Numbulwar Numburindi Arts also promotes sustainability through their use of ghost nets, abandoned fishing nets which make up 30-50% of all ocean plastic. “The process of harvesting the ghost nets to use in fibre art is a modern act of caring for Country.”

Numbulwar Numbirindi Arts acts as an important source of autonomy for the Numbulwar Community. According to Ella, the centre “provides an independent income stream for artists where Country-based, culturally appropriate work opportunities are rare… It is an opportunity to maintain and develop traditional weaving practices for future generations, and to teach others about the rich history and culture of Numburindi people.” The Numbulwar Numburindi Arts Weaving Kit provides an opportunity to engage with traditional cultural practices while “supporting intergenerational learning at the art centre.”