Arts
The East Kimberley offers a wide variety of different art styles and whether you are an avid art collector or simply would like a piece of local art as a memento of the East Kimberley, you will find it in one or more of the following galleries.
Waringarri Aboriginal Art Gallery - Local Aboriginal art
Red Rock Art - Local Aboriginal Art
Lovell Diversion Gallery - Local Non-Aboriginal Art
Our Land Gallery - Local Aboriginal Art
Just Framed - Local Non-Aboriginal Art
Warmun Art Centre - Local Aboriginal Art
Crafts
Local crafts women and men offer a wide selection of work that is specific to and inspired by the region. These craft shops are open to the public and welcome visitors to view and purchase examples of their work.
Birdland Functional Art - Ceramic artwork with functional uses
Kimberley Boab Kreations - Boab nut inspired crafts and boab chocolate
Rockalong - Rock art pieces using local stone
Top Rockz - Stonewear jewellery and craft pieces
Zebra Rock Gallery - Art and craft pieces using local stone
Culture
The cultures of the East Kimberley are as diverse as the landscape itself. The Aboriginal influence in the area dates back to over 40,000 years and the link from the Miriwoong people of today back through to their ancestors is still very strong traditionally evidenced through the examples of rock art dotted throughout the region. The traditional beliefs of the local aboriginal people are very much alive in their art work of today, in their dancing, their ceremonial and spiritual rites and in the strong family ties that bond the family groups together. Considered a very intrinsic part of the East Kimberley community, the aboriginal culture of today is acknowledged through the various Aboriginal tourism operators, tourism partnerships and business ventures throughout the region.
With the western spread of the pastoral industry into the Victorial River Downs / Argyle region, a whole new culture took a strong foothold into the region. Huge expanses of land came under the control of the pastoralists and their cattle. Roads were opened up, people moved into the region, towns and industries were established and as the cattle empires spread, stockmen and house staff became the life of many of the local aboriginal people, to the point Aboriginal stockmen are recognised as some of the best stockmen in the world.
Today there is a very different culture developing in the East Kimberley, one built on modern times with a vibrant economic base in the region. Big business has been established in the East Kimberley with the building of the Argyle and Diversion dam walls. Intensive agriculture through the Ord Irrigation Scheme continues to deliver the huge potential identified so long ago. Mining has brought into the area many follow-on effects, specialised industry, a workforce, business opportunities, community participation and huge economic benefits to the area. Tourism quickly identified the huge potential the region offers and has established itself as one of the major employment and economic drivers in the region. With an abundance of natural wonders, comfortable accommodation and extensive tour options, the region is currently experiencing a huge amount of interest and attracts a growing number of visitors every year.
Today this modern mix of people of varied backgrounds forms a strong community bond, all enjoying the prosperity of a vibrant provincial town, the business houses, the schools, churches, town facilities and services that make the East Kimberley a great place to live. Remote yes, left behind, definitely not.
The Kununurra Visitor Centre will be only too happy to supply all the local arts and cultural information, along with a map and brochures. So while in town drop in and we can send you on your way.
History
Western Australia is one of the oldest lands on Earth, and the East Kimberley region boasts a wide variety of environments ranging from semi desert lands, rugged ridges and coastal fringes to lush tropical micro environments, all alive with a wide selection of unique flora and fauna. Aboriginal history and activity in the East Kimberley dates back more than 40,000 years and the Aboriginal rock art that exists in the Kimberley region is recognised as some of the best examples of rock paintings found anywhere in the world. Today the East Kimberley offers the visitor access to different styles of art inspired not only by the strong traditions of the local Aboriginal people butalso art flavoured by the passions of artists of non Aboriginal descent who call the East Kimberley home.
