Injalak Arts and Crafts Northern Territory Australia

Injalak Arts and Crafts Association is located at Gunbalanya, Oenpelli, a small Aboriginal township close to the East Alligator River in western Arnhem Land. It is located approximately 300 kilometres east of Darwin and 60 kilometres east of Jabiru. Today the Aboriginal population of approximately 1,000 are predominantly Kunwinjku speakers, although in the preceding centuries and up to the time of first contact with the explorers and other Europeans early this century, 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 floodplains and overshadowed by Injalak Hill, a site extensively rich in rock art paintings and the source of much inspiration for the artists.

The Injalak Arts and Crafts centre at Gunbalanya was officially opened in late November 1989. Prior to 1989, their 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 the ochres and glue on the ground.