A thriving hub of creativity spanning the Groote Archipelago in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Anindilyakwa Arts is renowned nationally and around the world for its talented artists.
Anindilyakwa artists explore creative avenues through "old and new ways", drawing on deep knowledge of traditional practice, and experimenting with contemporary art disciplines.
Anindilyakwa art is unique to the region, in both style and technique, though often speaks to neighbouring mainland artistic practices.
Traditionally, Anindilyakwa artists have been known for their bark painting, which feature floating motifs within a sea of manganese, and dash painting - a style of artwork featuring a bold form of pattern and linework entirely unique to the region.
"The art centre brings a healthy kinship amongst us and is a safe place for us," said lead Art and Culture officer Noeleen Lalara.
"We are proud to be a part of the art centre - here we can teach the young ones through our art so they can keep our culture strong into the future."
After a successful runway on the 2026 Country to Couture runway, Style Up caught up with the Art Centre and artists to find out how they found the experience and how they hope it inspired other artists and creatives.
Anindilyakwa Arts has had several collections showcased at Country to Couture. The artists first began developing their fashion and textile practice through the bush dye program, with their first collection presented at Country to Couture in 2017.
Since then, Anindilyakwa Arts has returned to the runway several times, using fashion to share their culture, stories and innovative textile practices with other people.
"This isn't my first time, I have done this before with Anna Reynolds a few times at the Country to Couture," said senior artist and Arts and Cultural Officer from Angurugu Community, Annabell Amagula.
"I have walked the runway before as well. I am here guiding Bernadette and Sylvia . I am proud to be here.
"I am happy we are here together for Anindilyakwa Arts."
Speaking on the collections shown on the Country to Couture runway, Amagula shared the meaning behind its curation.
"Our Story and collection is from the Dadidkwakwa-kwa story and when our family went to the Manchester to bring back the Dadidkwakwa-kwa to Groote Eylandt," she said.
"We remember the old lady E Mamarika and all the stories she used to tell us. We are proud to share this story and of our deisgns, it was powerful and we were very proud."
The collection was inspired by the return of cultural material from Manchester Museum in 2023, including 70 Dadikwakwa-kwa. Their return helped revitalise the practice of making Dadikwakwa-kwa across the Angurugu and Umbakumba art centres.
The artists wanted to create a fashion collection honouring Dadikwakwa-kwa and its revitalisation.
The artists worked with Anna Reynolds on the collection, where they experimented with new bush dye techniques, coming up with something that they termed 'Black line'.
Black line is made from bush dye, using plants to prepare the fabric so the artists can paint designs on the material with brushes.
Arts and Culture officer at Anindilyakwa Arts, Adriana Mamarika, also commented on the artists creative process.
"The old people, a long time ago used to paint with the ashes from the fire. Black line reminds us of that painting," she said.
"The black line is for the future. To keep the stories alive for the kids. The men paint on the bark and the rock. The women are painting on the fabric and garments."
Looking ahead, Anindilyakwa Arts will continue to develop its bush dye program, creating opportunities for artists to experiment with new techniques while strengthening traditional knowledge and practices.
The Art centre will build on the old ways and new ways approach, developing new collections, exhibitions and collaborations that create opportunities for artists to share their culture and stories with audiences across Australia and internationally.
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