Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Corporation is a not for profit organisation based in the Beswick (Wugularr) community of the Northern Territory. It was established in 2002 to maintain, develop and promote traditional and contemporary Indigenous visual and performing arts of the Katherine and Arnhem regions.
Working in country with kin and culture across generations Djilpin Arts’ activities which include visual, performing and multimedia arts, are rich in spirit, bringing healing to the community, linking traditional culture with modern enterprise. Djilpin operates from the Ghunmarn Cultural Centre in Beswick and its Katherine Gallery. The annual Walking With Spirits Festival at Malkgulumbu (Beswick Falls) re-enacts the ancient art of corroboree with fire, music and imagery. Multimedia programs create film and video which take Djilpin’s stories to the rest of Australia and the world.
Djilpin’s has 100% Indigenous membership of approximately 75 people from Wugularr and other communities, and from Rittharngu/Wagalak, Dalabon, Mialli, Mara, Jawoyn and Rembarrnga language groups. It is overseen by a Board of Directors and has eightpermanent indigenous staff positions. While the name “Djilpin‟ refers to important ceremonial land at Goyder River, the organisation’s focus is on arts and cultural practice in the region, rather than with a particular group of Traditional Owners.
“Djilpin Arts for Everybody”
-Jimmy Wesan, Senior Jungayi
Djilpin Arts Key Principles
- Cultural: Fostering the preservation, maintenance and promotion of traditional knowledge systems
- Learning/Training: Educating arts workers and artists through mentoring, training and workshops
- Economic: Providing a source of income for artists through the sales of visual and performing arts
- Social: Promoting a whole-of-community approach with planning festivals and performances; establishing strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
- Artistic/Creative: Nurturing the development of traditional and contemporary artistic practice, exploring new mediums and innovative opportunities for creative expression
