On the far edge of Western Australia's Kimberley coast a vision held by Bardi Jawi Elders has become reality, after the Ingarlgalandij Arts and Culture Hub opened its doors in the remote community of Ardyaloon.
Bardi Man and Ingarlgalandij Art and Culture Hub cultural manager, Russell (Wossy) Davey, told National Indigenous Times "it feels really great to be part of this achievement because it was a long-term vision the old people had."
Last week's opening began with speeches by the hub's director Aggie Pigram, artist Jaqui Hunter, Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre (KALACC) cultural advisor Kevin George, and Aboriginal Art Hub of WA (AACHWA) CEO Chad Creighton, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the launch of the five-building hub.
The site now houses two art studios, a gallery, a shell shed and a storage room.
As the afternoon sun slipped behind Sunday Island, models took to the runway in fabrics bearing the work of local designers.
The fashion parade was the result of training by Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion Textiles and Art, whose team worked with locals to prepare them for modelling on the runway.
This was followed by a performance from internationally renowned Kimberley musicians David and Peter Pigram.
Guests moved through the gallery, pausing over etchings and paintings by artists from Ardyaloon and neighbouring Djarindjin.
The evening was closed by a cultural performance from Bardi dancers.
Director Aggie Pigram expressed gratitude for the sponsors for their ongoing support of the hub.
Ms Pigram thanked Ardyaloon Inc, Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation, Bardi Jawi Niimidiman Aboriginal Corporation,Woombooriny Amboon Angarriiya Partnership Initiative, KALACC, KRED, AACHWA, KAN, Mayala, Bardi Jawi Gaara Marine Park, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, KAFTA, Far North Community Services, Rio Tinto, WAITOC.COM, the Australian Government Indigenous Languages and Arts department, and Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support, as well as the WA State Government.
The future looks strong for the hub, which is set to support cultural programs, artist development, employment and training, community engagement, exhibitions and art sales by 2028, according to the Ingarlgalandij Arts and Culture Hub Strategic Plan.
