Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre

The people of Wujal Wujal are culturally rich and value continuing the traditions of Eastern Kuku Yalanji knowledge, language, skills and connection to the natural landscape and resources through artworks and crafts. The Council helps to hold onto our sacred culture and to keep the community strong in mind and spirit by promoting a flourishing and sustainable Art and Cultural Centre.

The Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre is run by the Council in conjunction with the Wujal Wujal community. The Centre has an art gallery, artist studio, a shop and café.

Our unique arts style

Our local artists are nationally and internationally renowned for the unique artistic styles influenced by the heritage of the ‘rainforest people’, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. Their inspiration comes from the land – rainforests, waterfalls, mountains – our rivers and sea and unique wildlife, which influence our individual art motifs. 

 All of our artworks are handcrafted and painted at Bana Yirriji by local community artists who work with natural seed jewellery, prints, paintings, artefacts and textiles. Many Wujal Wujal paintings are based on traditional stories passed down from Traditional Elders from our three traditional clan groups, the Yalanji, Nyungkul and Jalunji. Our artists are also involved in progressive digital and multimedia displays and fashion design, including for the Indigenous Runway Project for indigenous fashion designers. 

Arts workshops

The Centre also provides professional development and training for artists in traditional art techniques, digital developments and corporate issues such as copyright and online sales outlets.

Visitors can learn about our traditional arts and crafts by participating in various hands-on workshops held throughout the year. Contact the Centre and check their website to see the calendar of upcoming events to make sure your visit to Wujal Wujal coincides with a hands-on arts experience to remember. 

Gallery gift shop

Emerging and established artists curate their own gallery exhibitions and sell their artwork in the gallery gift shop. You can also purchase souvenirs, cards and books, jewellery, scarves, accessories and artworks in our Gallery Shop. 

 How to find us: 

We are located just below the Wujal Wujal Waterfall, on the banks of the Bloomfield River, just one hour’s drive South of Cooktown. 

736 Douglas Street

Wujal Wujal, Queensland, 4895

 How to find us

We are located just below the Wujal Wujal Waterfall, on the banks of the Bloomfield River, just one hour's drive South of Cooktown.

Address 736 Douglass Street, Wujal Wujal, Queensland, 4895

Opening times and contact details

Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre is open Monday to Thursday from 8:30am to 3:30pm and Fridays from 8:30am to 11:30am.

Weekends - By Appointment Only Admission is free.

Phone: (07) 4060 8333

Email: art@wujal.qld.gov.au

Web:                                                      https://banayirrijiart.com.au/

Image credit: Vikki Burrows