Our mission is to generate income and career opportunities for the people of Badu Island by showcasing the stories and knowledge that is at the heart of our culture. In remote regional Australia, the Art Centre Industry provides some of the only work opportunities available to First Nations People living on Country.
From the island gallery where visitors can meet our artists and purchase works directly, to art fairs and cultural events that showcase Badu’s creativity to the world, the Art Centre continues to build meaningful connections between artists, collectors, and communities across Australia and internationally.
Badu Art Centre is an Indigenous Corporation established in December 2009 under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act).
Badu Island lies in a remarkably beautiful part of the Torres Strait, about halfway between the Australian mainland and Papua New Guinea, within the Western Cluster of islands.
There are three art centres across the Torres Strait: Badu, Moa and Erub. Each contributes to the continuation and celebration of Torres Strait Islander traditions. Our Art Centre plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Torres Strait Islander culture, both locally and beyond.
Through their work, Badu artists share the vibrant stories and cultural heritage of their island home, expressing a deep connection to the ocean, the land and the animals that inspire them.
Our mission is to generate income and career opportunities for the people of Badu Island by showcasing the stories and knowledge that is at the heart of our culture. In remote regional Australia, the Art Centre Industry provides some of the only work opportunities available to First Nations People living on Country.
From the island gallery where visitors can meet our artists and purchase works directly, to art fairs and cultural events that showcase Badu’s creativity to the world, the Art Centre continues to build meaningful connections between artists, collectors, and communities across Australia and internationally.
Badu Art Centre is an Indigenous Corporation established in December 2009 under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act).
Badu Island lies in a remarkably beautiful part of the Torres Strait, about halfway between the Australian mainland and Papua New Guinea, within the Western Cluster of islands.
There are three art centres across the Torres Strait: Badu, Moa and Erub. Each contributes to the continuation and celebration of Torres Strait Islander traditions. Our Art Centre plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Torres Strait Islander culture, both locally and beyond.
Through their work, Badu artists share the vibrant stories and cultural heritage of their island home, expressing a deep connection to the ocean, the land and the animals that inspire them.
Visitors are welcome at Badu Art Centre
and Badu Island, but permission from
the Chair of the Native Title Body
(Mura Badhulgal) is required.
We can help by forwarding your request to save you extra emails or phone calls. Please email us with a brief note on why you wish to visit, where you might stay (or ask us for advice), and we will guide you through the process.
Coral Expeditions brings art collectors to the island, where the Art Centre hosts cultural events with singing, dancing, and displays of artworks and locally made products.
Badu Art Centre is supported by the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments.
We are grateful to the Australian Government’s Creative Australia and IVAIS programs, the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and the Indigenous Arts Centre Strategy Backing Indigenous Arts (BIA) program, the Torres Strait Regional Authority and the Queensland community benefit Gambling Fund for supporting the cultural expression of Mura Badulagal through Badu Art Centre.
Every purchase helps sustain careers, culture, and community.
