The Mowanjum Museum is situated inside the Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre, a short drive from the town of Derby in West Kimberley. The museum opened to the public in April 2021 after four years of planning and community engagement. The project stemmed from a long-term commitment to preserve and facilitate community access to culturally significant objects and audiovisual materials in a manner that respects cultural traditions.

Co-curated by Katie Breckon and Dr. Mary Anne Jebb, with project management and exhibition design led by Scott Watson, the museum embodies collaborative efforts to educate, inspire, and preserve cultural heritage. The exhibition text for Junba Space was authored by ethnomusicologist Dr. Sally Treloyn and edited by historian Dr. Mary Anne Jebb. Sherika Nulgit contributed to the displays through her role as a collections officer and language specialist.

These displays have been created under the guidance of Renita Bidd, Alison Burgu, Kirsty Burgu, Dorothy Spider Chapman, Rona Goonginda Charles, Phillip Duckhole, Sherika Duckhole, Matthew Dembal Martin, Maitland Ngerdu, Chloe Nulgit, Lloyd Oombooloo Nulgit, Pansy Nulgit, Pete Myadooma O’Connor, Janet Eewaambood Oobagooma, Steven Peumorra, Gordon Smith Jnr, Cecilia Umbagai, Leah Umbagai, Rachel Umbagai, Alfie White, Nancy White, and Yorna Woolagoodja.

With assistance from the University of Western Australia Centre for Rock Art Research and Management, Dambimangari Rangers, Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation, Wunggurr Rangers, Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation, and Uunguu Rangers, Wunambal Gaambera Corporation.

Copyright © Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre.
Photography by Katie Breckon