The inaugural exhibition held at Charles Darwin University's new gallery in the heart of the city is set to showcase the powerful relationship between artists' environment and their work.

'From The Ground Up' will feature artwork from 34 Northern Territory artists and will include 87 pieces of art, some dating back to 1983.

Curator Joanna Barrkman said the exhibition would be open to the general public at the Danala | Education and Community Precinct from February 8 until April 17.

Dr Barrkman said artist Frank Gohier would open the new exhibition while Gwalwa Dariniki Association chairperson Helen Secretary would officially give the gallery its name – the Midpul Art Gallery, named for Larrakia artist Midpul, also known as the Prince of Wales.

From the Ground Up will also include a collection of artworks by Midpul, on loan from the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney and from Karen Brown Fine Art, Darwin.

"Midpul's art celebrates his and his people's enduring connection to Garramilla (Darwin) and surrounding Larrakia lands," Dr Barrkman said.

Featured artists Gary Lee and Liss Fenwick will discuss their works during the gallery's first public program from 10.30am-11.30am, February 8.

Dr Barrkman said she hoped the gallery's new location would lead to increased exposure for future exhibitions.

"We are looking forward to welcoming more visitors to the gallery as it is a convenient and accessible location in the heart of Darwin's CBD," she said.

"We have an amazing array of talented artists in the Northern Territory, many of whom are alumni of the university.

"The gallery profiles their achievements to the broader community."

The gallery's opening hours are 10am-4pm Wednesday-Friday and 10am-1pm on Saturdays.