about us.

Burrunju Art Centre is an Aboriginal owned and run not for profit charity located next to Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra. Burrunju was established in 2014 as a registered not for profit charity with ACNC, and is the only Aboriginal-owned art gallery in Canberra.

The word Burrunju means ruined city of Arnhem Land and the resting place of our founding members’ totem the saltwater catfish. Burrunju connects all of our kinship in Southern Arnhem Land.

Burrunju operates to provide members of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community with culturally appropriate programs to improve resilience and wellbeing, to create meaningful and sustainable employment, and support the passing on of culture and heritage to our younger generations. Burrunju also provides the wider Australian community with insights into our heritage through our art displays, cultural activities and programs.

Burrunju not only showcases local Aboriginal art and artefacts, but is also a grassroots, collaborative space where artists and community members can gather to create or complete paintings and artefacts, learn together and enjoy a space for art therapy.

All proceeds from artwork and artefacts sold in the gallery invest directly into local artists, providing a source of income for our artists and to provide art supplies for the community space.

(Pictured right: Dale & Gary )