Hundreds Relish Chance to Snap Up Bidyadanga Art in Broome

The artists keep part of the proceeds. The arts centre also directs some of its take back into the Bidyadanga community.

Getting the work to Broome is no small feat, especially in stifling summer weather. In the days before the show, artists and staff catalogued and listed the pieces, then rolled and packed them for the drive.

Voices from the studio

Artist Jenny Butt was painting long before the community's award-winning arts centre opened. She said its reputation keeps growing in scale and reach.

"It's been touching; painting, representing your identity with your family's connection to country," she said. Butt said it was heartening to see a new generation of young artists getting involved.

Augustine Badal now works at the art centre and helps coordinate the showcase. "It's really important here, because by doing art, we're sharing stories, passing down knowledge and painting country as well," he said.

Artist Marika Jadai said the work highlights the connection of different cultures and everything that made Bidyadanga what it is.

What shoppers said

Shopper Daisy said she and her partner were probably moving on soon. "We really wanted something that captured the earthy colours and reminded us of our time up here," she said.

She works in Bidyadanga as well, and knows many of the artists. "It feels really special," she said.

Redbill Studio Gallery co-owner Melissa Foster said the link with the remote community came about through "word of mouth". She said the gallery gets plenty of good feedback.

"We always have people come up and ask when the next Bidgy sale is," Foster said.