Welcoming Anindilyakwa Arts to Bluethumb
Bluethumb is proud to welcome Anindilyakwa Arts, a vibrant centre of creativity located on Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Northern Territory, to Australia’s largest online art gallery.
The Warnamamalya-led creative program, Anindilyakwa Arts, supports local Indigenous artists and represents approximately 450 artists in total. The centre plays a vital role in strengthening cultural identity, fostering community well-being, and creating sustainable, meaningful jobs for the future.
Groote Eylandt, 650km east of Darwin, is Australia’s third-largest island and part of a 40 island archipelago off the coast of Arnhem Land.
Old and New Ways
Anindilyakwa artists draw inspiration from the Groote Archipelago’s stunning natural environment, which includes pristine beaches, freshwater springs, woodlands, rainforests and sand dunes. The Warnindilyakwa people, the Traditional Owners of this region, express their deep cultural knowledge through both traditional and contemporary art practices.
“We are keeping our culture strong, [our art is] important to show young-ones for future,” says Elvis Bara, a respected senior artist (pictured on the left).
Artists explore creative avenues using “old and new ways,” blending time-honoured techniques with contemporary ideas. The Angurugu Men’s Art Centre, for example, focuses on revitalising traditional forms like amureba (bark painting), ochre work, animal carving and yiraka (didgeridoo) making. These art forms not only carry cultural stories but also serve as a bridge for passing knowledge from one generation to the next.
A Hub for Culture and Community
Anindilyakwa Arts runs three art centres: Angurugu and Umbakumba Women’s Art Centres, and the Angurugu Men’s Art Centre. These creative spaces are more than studios. They are gathering places where artists gather to share ideas, mentor youth, and engage in regular bush trips and creative development workshops. The centres support professional growth and help ensure the continuation of Anindilyakwa culture across generations.
“I feel happy and proud. It comes from our Country. I like it and it’s good to see people like it too,” says Artist Annabell Amagula.
A New Chapter with Bluethumb
Now, through a new partnership with Bluethumb, Anindilyakwa Arts is expanding its reach and gaining further support to connect with collectors across Australia and the world. This collaboration strengthens the presence of remote Indigenous artists in the national art market while preserving the stories and traditions embedded in each work.
“Our mission at Bluethumb is to grow artists’ careers and help them sell more work through better technology. It’s fantastic to support remote artists on Groote Eylandt and open up their works to all collectors across Australia and the world,” says George Hartley, Bluethumb Co-founder.
As a proud member of the Indigenous Art Code, Bluethumb is committed to ethical art trade and the fair treatment of Indigenous artists. We are excited to play a part in promoting Anindilyakwa culture through this partnership.
Explore Anindilyakwa Arts now on Bluethumb and discover stories of Country, community and culture brought to life through art.
