Hedland set to host Aboriginal art forum at Spinifex Hill Studio

Aboriginal art centres from across Western Australia will converge in Hedland next month for a major industry event.

The Our Business: Aboriginal Art Centre Forum 2025, presented by the Aboriginal Art Centre Hub of Western Australia, will be held at Spinifex Hill Studio in South Hedland from October 30 until November 2.

Now in its fifth year, the forum is held in a different regional location each year to promote collaboration and professional development among Aboriginal art centres and artists.

“The forum was developed to move around the State so that we can provide art centres the opportunity to connect with each other and learn from those art centres and regions,” AACHWA chief executive Chad Creighton said.

“We chose Hedland for this year because we actually started the forum five years ago in the Pilbara, in Roebourne, so this year, the board wanted to bring it back to the Pilbara.”

Spinifex Hill Studio, the host venue, is one of WA’s few open-access Aboriginal art centres, supporting a diverse group of artists — from emerging practitioners to nationally recognised names.

“Spinifex Hill is an amazing arts centre and has a lot to offer in terms of the work they do and the learnings that others can take from them,” Mr Creighton said.

The forum will open on Thursday, October 30, with a community-led cultural experience and creative workshop on Kariyarra Country.

The forum will conclude on Sunday, November 2 with a public showcase and sundowner event at Spinifex Hill Studio. The open-invitation event will provide an opportunity for the Hedland community to meet the artists and learn more about their work.