About Girringun Art Centre

Emerging from the rainforest canopy and a culture spanning countless generations, the work of Girringun artists is attracting a lot of attention.

Established in 2008, the Girringun Art Centre is home to multi-award winning artists and craftsmen.

Located in Cardwell, Queensland, Girringun represents artists from nine Traditional Owner Groups: the Nywaigi, Gugu Badhan, Warrgamay, Warungnu, Bandjin, Girramay, Gulngay, Jirrbal and Djiru people.

The traditional country of these groups covers some 25,000 square kilometres of country in the state’s far-North. Objects from this country are significantly different from those of much of the rest of Australia. Weaving is done by both men and women, and the diversity of resources between land and sea have resulted in a vast array of implements being crafted for use.

A living functioning art centre, it is not unusual to see artists in the workshop developing new work and honing their craft. The stories and environments of this ancient culture are being transformed daily into visual images and designs by weavers, painters, potters, textile artists, and makers of traditional objects.

These artists bring to life the unique cultural story and expression of the distinctive Aboriginal rainforest art traditions and culture of the Girringun region, to share with the world.

Girringun Country

Girringun Country is a diverse tapestry of rich tropical rainforest, idyllic coastal panoramas, sweeping mountain views, waterfalls, and vibrant waterways.

The Ancestral lands of our nine Traditional Owner groups encompass land around North Maria Creek to El Arish and south west to the Tully River, north to Ravenshoe and Herberton, south to include country to the east of Einasleigh, south west of Greenvale, and each to Rollingstone on the coast.

The offshore islands and waters surrounding Hinchinbrook, Goold, Brooke, Family, and the Dunk Islands are also included in this area. This area is managed by the Girringun Aboriginal Corporation and cares for over one million hectares of land and sea on behalf of Traditional Owner groups in North Queensland. Girringun’s trailblazing success is driven by the Elder’s desire to keep country, people, and culture strong.