Interest in local designs continues to spread

Story by Ingrid Johanson

The popularity for Bábbarra Women’s Centre designs is growing, as is the interest in Indigenous textiles in Australia and around the world.
Not only does the the Maningrida-based women’s centre send goods all over the country, but now Jabiru Foodland has recently come onboard, stocking indigenous textiles, providing an opportunity for Jabiru locals and tourists passing through to purchase the clothing and fabrics.
As limited people can get out to Maningrida, this gives an option for people passing through Kakadu and Arnhem Land to see the work.
This year alone Bábarra Women’s Centre have exhibitions lined up in Canberra, Sydney, Darwin and Alice Springs, and at last year’s inaugural NT Textile Awards, three separate awards were handed to Raylene Bonson, Deborah Wurrkidj and Helen Lanyinwanga.
All of the fabric tells the ancestral stories of the Arnhem Land country and cultures.
Bábbarra Women’s Centre Manager Ingrid Johanson said, “Our designs are so much more than just attractive prints. The designs give a glimpse into the world of the Bábbarra artists.”
“Our designs tell stories of the artists’ ancestor beings and speak to the women’s intense cultural and environmental connection to the natural world in Arnhem Land.”
Artist at Bábbarra Janet Marawarr said, “My designs, they are all alive living up in my head.”
For more information, visit https://babbarra.com/