Jilamara Arts And Crafts Association

Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association is an incorporated nonprofit, Tiwi governed organisation that was established in 1989. Jilamara is in the remote aboriginal community of Milikapiti, overlooking the Arafura Sea, on the north coast of Melville Island, the larger of two Islands that make up the Tiwi Islands. Jilamara operates within a community development framework to provide access to employment, education and training. The centre is open to all Tiwi people living in Milikapiti and its associated outstations and provides professional support to Tiwi artists in establishing and developing their work in an environment where creativity, innovation and excellence are valued. Arts workers employed at the Centre take part in regular workshops including governance and business planning, computer literacy skills development and OH&S training. Artist members take part in workshops related to fine art printing, carving, weaving and bark painting. The projects undertaken at Jilamara are chosen for their potential to offer a sustainable option for capacity building and empowerment. Furthermore, through the sale of artworks Jilamara generates a supplemental income for its active members. Many members of Jilamara have held and continue to hold executive positions in related organisations such as the Association of Northern, Kimberley and Arnhem Aboriginal Artists (ANKA), The Tiwi Land Council and The Tiwi Education Board. In 2012 the Troppo designed Kutuwulumi Gallery named after the late Kitty Kantilla was opened along with the Murrumingumirri Carvers Shed named after the late Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri and a newly renovated location for the Muluwurri Museum Collection. The refurbished art centre complex displays the work of its artists and the museum s significant collection to visitors to the community of Milikapiti.