“He gave us the land, the clan groups, how we maintain everything on land, the sea, and even the air, and how we connect with our animals. Everything in creation, even the ground that you walk on, we are connected to it from Wandjina”.
Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre manager Liane Wendt agrees that a visit to the centre is a must. “I think especially if you travel to Gibb River Road, you definitely should come here because you travel the lands where the Wandjinas belong to,” she said. “If you go anywhere, you should know where you're actually going and about the culture because otherwise, what's the point? It's essential if you travel the Gibb River Road, it's essential to come here”.
Not only can you learn about the region's history and the Wandjina spirit, but you can also pick up locally produced art as a souvenir of the region and support the local Indigenous artists.
Mowanjum resident and artist Kirsty Burgu explained that visitor support is crucial, with all profits from sales going back into the community and to the maintenance of the Arts and Cultural Centre. “By doing this art, telling the stories, it’s giving back to the people too, through this art centre,” she said. The funds from the paintings that sell, whatever sells here, a lot of it goes to the artists, and the rest goes to maintain this building, to keep it open”.
Centre manager Liane Wendt agrees, saying art holds immeasurable importance not just for Mowanjum but also for all Indigenous communities. “In every community, art plays such an important role,” She said. “Since there are not that many jobs around, that really supports the families financially, of course, but it also helps them reconnect with spirits, beliefs, and culture. Yeah, it's a major source of income, but it's also a major source of keeping culture alive”.
So make Mowanjum Arts and Cultural Centre a must see on your next trip up the Gibb!