The Marrawuddi Gallery, owned and managed by Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation on behalf of the Mirarr Traditional Owners, will relocate in September this year. Marrawuddi is the first business to move into new premises as part of the post-mining transition of the town of Jabiru.
The gallery at Bowali Visitors Centre (Kakadu National Park headquarters) has been a popular destination for tourists and locals looking to find a beautiful souvenir or gift for many years. In recent times, nurtured by the clear vision and strong commitment of Mirarr and the gallery management team, Marrawuddi has evolved to become a community arts centre with more diverse space needs.
“When the bakery became vacant we knew it was the perfect location for Marrawuddi Arts” said Marrawuddi Manager Katie Hagebols.
“We have been working closely with artists from the region to develop their arts practice for some time. The bigger spaces at this new site will mean we can offer welcoming areas for artists to work as well as a larger retail area”
The Commonwealth, Northern Territory and the mining company Energy Resources of Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gundjeihmi in August 2019 securing the Mirarr Vision and Masterplan for Jabiru. The Masterplan will see Jabiru become the focal point for all visitors to Kakadu making the move to town the obvious choice for the gallery.
In September 2019 Marrawuddi coordinated local and interstate artists to paint a stunning mural on the external walls of the old bakery building in anticipation of the move. This visual transformation signals the change that is coming for Jabiru once a formal township lease commences in early 2021.
“Marrawuddi Arts is the first cab off the rank as the Jabiru region transitions to a Mirarr-led post-mining future. This vibrant Aboriginal-controlled arts centre embodies so much of the future direction of Jabiru and will be a hub for locals and tourists alike” Ms Hagebols concluded.
You can check out the full article from Off The Leash’s July issue or here.