welcome

Mardbalk Arts & Craft Centre is located on South Goulburn Island, in West Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. Mardbalk supports artists from the communities of Warruwi (Goulburn Island) and Minjilang (Croker Island) who are proud salt water people. Mardbalk is the local word for the island.

Both Warruwi and Minjilang are located in the Arafura Sea, off the coast of the Coburg Peninsular and are serviced by the West Arnhem Shire Council which is the major employer on the islands.

The islands have stunning natural features and the abundance of wildlife means that locals go hunting regularly, eating many of the traditional foods that were enjoyed by their ancestors. Favourite foods are saltwater fish, dugong, turtle, oysters, crayfish, mud crab and stingrays.

The community is made up of three main language groups: the Mawng, Walang; and the Kunwinjku. There is also a presence of the Galpu Clan from nearby Elcho Island. This cultural mix makes for facinating and individual artworks.

The traditional practices of stripping bark and using natural ochres, oxides and charcoals are still used regularly, along with new contemporary abstract styles by one of Mardbalk Arts' leading artists, Richard Dhaymutha.

Pandanus Weaving still remains the heart and sole of the centre, with uniquely beautiful weavings carefully designed by the ladies. Their current collections consist of handbags, purses, pandanus jewellery, bottles, baskets, wall hangings and floor mats with their works now being exhibited and sold around Australia.

Local men carve stunning replicas of saltwater animals from mangrove timber and coconut palms collected around the islands, while women create exquisite shell and seed jewellery.

did you know?

* To purchase online items please email your request to mardbalk@westarnhem.nt.gov.au

* Visit Mardbalk Arts & Craft Centre Facebook page for all the latest information.

* The Mardbalk Textile Project is now producing quality screen and lino print designs on lengths of fabric, calico bags and limited edition arches paper prints. Email the arts centre for the current catalogue.  

* In April 2012 the artists of Mardbalk Arts are taking part in a printmaking workshop with Melbourne printmaker, Andrew Sinclair. We will be producing only small series of limited edition prints, so join our mailing list and be the first in-line to view the finished products.