New Indigenous Art Gallery at Outback at Isa Officially Opened

Published on 30 May 2025

An Indigenous art gallery that’s the first of its kind for Mount Isa has officially opened at Outback At Isa.

The opening of the Maltha Waru Arts Workshop took place this afternoon, Friday May 30, with Councillor Travis Crowther giving the opening speech.

The art gallery is the culmination of months of work of some of the Mount Isa area’s best Indigenous artists, as well as Outback at Isa staff.

It began operating in December last year, and was established specifically to display and sell art created by Indigenous artists from North West Queensland.

“Its creation is a result of Outback at Isa recognising a gap in our region: there were no dedicated Indigenous art galleries west of the coast – none in Mount Isa, or in the broader North West. And Outback at Isa wanted to change that,” Cr Crowther said.

“Indigenous artists from our region were often forced to travel to Cairns, Brisbane, or Alice Springs just to have their works seen and sold. In this gallery, local Indigenous artists have a dedicated, permanent space in Mount Isa where they can proudly display their works to a wider audience.

“Through this gallery, artists are sharing their stories with the world. And on behalf of the Outback at Isa Board, we are proud and honoured to be a part of its official opening. It is a very welcome addition to not just Outback at Isa, but to the Mount Isa community as a whole.”

As well as paintings, it features jewellery, textiles, carvings, spinifex paper, and contemporary works.

“Maltha waru” means “many paths” in the Kalkadoon language and represents the many paths that connect art, culture, and community.

Some of the artists featured in the gallery include Barbara Sam, Rebecca Sam, Hazel Munro, Sonya Pitjard, Mark Webb, Sheree Blackley, Mick Cooper, William Irvine, Carmel Donnelly, Cungelella Art, and Renae Carson.

Call Outback at Isa on (07) 4749 1555 to find out more.