The Region
Injalak Arts Story
Visiting Injalak

The Region

Today the Aboriginal population of Gunbalanya is approximately 1,400 predominantly Kunwinjku speakers.  Previously and up to the time of first contact with the explorers and other Europeans the area was the home of many different tribal groups, including the Gagadju.

Nearby is the rugged Arnhem Land escarpment area of deep plunging gorges, huge boulders and wide overhanging rock platforms - 'Stone Country'. The Art Centre is situated in the most beautiful of sites. The escarpment rises forebodingly to the east. Gunbalanya billabong at its rear is surrounded by open flood plains and overshadowed by Injalak Hill - a site extensively rich in rock art paintings and the source of much inspiration for the artists. It is a stunningly beautiful place.

The extensive black soil plains which extend from the base of the escarpment with their billabongs and their swamps formed by the huge river system provided a natural habitat for a wide variety of fish, birds such as emu and water fowl, and game including kangaroos and wallabies, possums, flying foxes, echidnas and goannas. Aboriginal hunters and foragers therefore found an abundance of food. During the long tropical wet season when the rivers and swamps were overflowing and when it became difficult to travel, Aboriginal families retreated to higher ground and made camps in the numerous sandstone caves and rock shelters. Innumerable ochre paintings in the rock have survived to this day and provide us with a magnificent historical record of the continuous occupation of the area by successive generations of Aboriginals.

East of Gunbalanya and spreading as far as the Mann River in Arnhem Land are ten active outstations where several hundred people live a more traditional existence. The west Arnhem Land region from the East Alligator, which forms the border with Kakadu, to the Mann River serves as Injalak's 'artistic catchment' area.

Injalak Arts Story

The Injalak Arts & Crafts centre at Gunbalanya was officially opened in late November 1989. Prior to 1989 its origins were in a small shed used for screen printing. The building that now houses the various functions of the Art Centre is long and flanked on either side by covered verandahs. The artists work on either side of the verandah, sitting on the ground and grinding their ochres.

Injalak is managed by an incorporated Association whose members are the artists and community. The Association has a number of objectives, with the major emphasis being cultural maintenance and economic self-determination. In its constitution the Association aims to "support and enrich the culture of the people in this area" and provide economic benefits for the residents of Gunbalanya and its outstations while being non-profit making.

Indigenous community art centres play an important role in the artistic and cultural life of traditional Aboriginal artists living in remote communities. In the 1989 independent review into the operation of Aboriginal Community Arts and Crafts Centres by John Altmann it was determined that one of the most effective way to subsidise Aboriginal communities was to fund Arts and Craft centres, thus enabling Aboriginal people to generate independent income which remains in the community.

Injalak is a non-profit, community enterprise. It has over 200 members made up of artists and weavers from Gunbalanya and surrounding outstations. All artists are paid in full up front for their work.

Although the Arts Centre is located in Gunbalanya, it also attempts to service those artists who choose to live at their outstations who have few other options for economic activity.

Visiting Injalak

Anyone can visit Injalak and we encourage people with a genuine interest in indigenous art and culture to visit. The traditional owners allow you to visit Injalak because they support the enterprise and wish to share their culture with you, as do the artists. The artists are happy for you to watch them paint, however, please be respectful, they are practicing an art which is part of the longest continuing artistic tradition in the world. Please keep in mind that you are not permitted to approach artists for direct sales. Art is available from the Injalak gallery only.

Opening Hours

Injalak is open Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm. From June - October Injalak is open on Saturday mornings from 8.30am - 2pm, however it is advisable to check first. We are closed on Sundays and some public holidays. You can contact us on 61 8 8979 0190 or info@injalak.com

Injalak Hill Tours

Injalak conducts guided tours of Injalak Hill from June - September. The tours leave from Injalak Arts & Crafts between 8.30 - 9am and are approximately 3 hours long.

Due to a shortage of guides and high demand for tours this season (2010), private bookings are very limited. It is possible to organise a tour through an established tour company. Contact NT Tourism for details.

Getting There

Injalak is approximately 300km from Darwin, 60 km from Jabiru and 16km from Ubirr/Border Store. You will need to cross the East Alligator River which is a tidal river. Please check tide times and seek advice with the Northern Land Council (NLC) when collecting your permit (see Permits below). Crossing may be a little intimidating for first timers (it is also a real adventure. Look out for Crocs!). If you are concerned, it is advisable to observe other cars crossing, before proceeding with caution.

It is only possible to drive in the Dry Season, May to November. As a precaution, two wheel drive vehicles should check on the condition of the road, particularly in May. Between mid-December and early April, the Wet Season, it is not possible to cross the East Alligator River at all. Access is by air only.

If you don't have your own transport, Injalak has allowed several tour companies to visit us. Check with the Tourist Information Centres in Darwin or Jabiru.

Permits

As Injalak is located on Aboriginal land, you MUST have a permit before you cross the East Alligator River into Arnhem Land or fly into Oenpelli. A permit costs $13.20 and is administered by the Northern Lands Council (NLC). Children are free. Usually, NLC in Jabiru can issue a permit quickly. However, try to allow at least 24 hours notice. You can contact NLC office in Jabiru (ph 61 8 8938 3000) and Darwin (ph 61 8 8920 5100). The office is open from Monday - Friday. A permit for Saturdays or public holidays must be obtained in advance.

The permit is to visit Injalak only. Once you cross the East Alligator River you may not stop your vehicle until you arrive at the Arts Centre. The road is well signed.