NEW DIGS, OLD TRICKS

Since 2009, Aboriginal Bush Traders (ABT) has showcased, celebrated and ethically made available authentic Aboriginal art for purchase from communities across the Northern Territory and the Kimberley. And whilst it’s moved between locations over the years, its new home ensures the org can hold strong to this ethos.

WORDS TIERNEY WHITE

From humble beginnings in the Brown’s Mart Precinct to the historical setting of Lyon’s Cottage, then onto a modern space on the ground floor of the Charles Darwin Centre, ABT has recently landed right in the thick of the action of Smith Street Mall.

Under the umbrella of Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation, also responsible for business arms Rapid Clean NT and Darwin Precast Products, ABT has grown over the years to include a café and bush food-inspired catering. Whilst the new location no longer features a café, ABT Coordinator Belinda Foster says it offers other exciting opportunities.

“In 2026, ABT launches Community Lens, an annual exhibition where artists and arts workers are given disposable cameras to document everyday life in their communities. The images will offer an honest, often unexpected view of creativity and daily life, as seen through the artists’ own eyes, and will be presented in a major exhibition at ABT throughout August and September,” she says.

“ABT is also a welcoming space for community and connection, with Black Coffee events planned throughout the year, alongside a program of weaving workshops and exhibition openings.”

The new space in Smith Street Mall boasts a gallery and retail space, giving folks the chance to peruse authentic work and sample products from First Nations people around the Darwin area, and beyond.

Pick up paintings, weavings, wearable art, Art Centre tees, carvings, books, homewares, bush foods, and bush medicines. Many items are made on Country or sourced directly from remote community Art Centres, and all ensure ethical and sustainable practices.

The new space features a beautiful wall mural painted by Arrernte artist and visual storyteller, Philly Kemarre. He describes his work as an exploration of the strength, resilience, and beauty of his people and Country, the Arrernte people of Urlpmerre Country. Tracing the Dreaming tracks across the land, the mural features strong themes of rebirth and Amiwerre, a sacred celestial river that takes the shape of two creation beings, the Dark Emu, and its partner, the Light Emu.

With a regular exhibition program on rotation, the ABT gallery space is refreshed throughout the year, showcasing Art Centres in Lajamanu, Ngukurr, the Tiwi Islands, Broome, and Numbulwar.

If you’re keen to immerse yourself in our vibrant First Nations culture, ABT is a must-stop on your Darwin visit or a beaut way for locals to connect in an ethical and responsible way.

“ABT is one of the few not-for-profit social enterprises in Darwin City, where every artwork and product sold supports Indigenous employment and fair payment. Working directly with artists and Art Centres, ABT ensures ethical sourcing while sharing work from remote communities that many people rarely have the opportunity to see,” Foster says.

“When you shop at ABT, your purchase goes straight back to artists, Art Centres, and their communities, supporting culture, creativity, and livelihoods.”

Aboriginal Bush Traders

WHEN MON-FRI | 9AM-3PM
AT SHOP 4-5 SMITH STREET
INFO aboriginalbushtraders.com

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