Waringarri Arts

Waringarri is the first wholly Indigenous owned art centre established in the Kimberley region and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community.

The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. The art centre is a central point in the community and was created by the communities Elders to preserve culture.

We spoke to Delany Griffiths a Miriwoong woman and one of the artists at Waringarri. She says “The centre brings everyone together to maintain culture. I am an ochre painter and textile artist so I can make money here and gain some financial independence. We are all connected to this place because of the old people. I can learn from my grandmother here. This place also allows me to bring my kids here, it’s a safe place.”

Waringarri’s involvement with Welcome to Country has been mutually beneficial. Since listing their experiences and products with us “we have seen increased exposure and our tour bookings have increased. We have received greater interest in our engraved boab nuts and our hand-made Keep Cups.”