Djambawa Marawili Receives an AM

Posted by Jeremy Eccles | 04.02.10

The Yolgnu community of Eastern Arnhemland and art lovers widely are celebrating the recognition of the Madarrpa clan leader, Buku-Larrngay Arts Chairman and ANKAAA Chairman, Djambawa Marawili, who received a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia. The Australia Council also congratulated Mr Marawili, who was a member of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board from May 2004 – February 2009. “I feel very honoured,” Mr Marawili said. “I believe this AM goes not only to myself, but to my fellow ANKAAA members, the ANKAAA Board, Yolngu artists and members of my Madarrpa clan group. “When I became an artist I started with my art centre, Buku Larrnggay Mulka at Yirrkala. I was concentrating on myself and had a little recognition early on. Then I started with ANKAAA as a member and learned more about business and supporting art centres, and I have now been Chairman for 10 years. “ANKAAA is really important. We have our own Board of Aboriginal artists from four regions that covers the Top End of the NT and WA, some 1million square kilometres made up of around 100 language groups. We support our Art Centres and artists to be strong and independent for their own country and culture. I am standing firm as Chairman to work so the voices of Aboriginal artists are heard and to work together, share our knowledge, help each other and our industry. “But the main thing I’d like Napagi (non – Indigenous people) to understand is that our art, the beautiful paintings, prints and sculptures people buy or see at galleries around the world - this art is informed by our ancient traditions and culture that is our life. “It is the culture that is in my soul, the manikay (song) and bunggul (dance)» Read More